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THE 



BATTLE-FIELDS 



OF THE 



EEPUBLIC ; 



J^rom f mitgtoit ta i\t Citg of ||Tti'it0. 



BY 



HENRY W. HAREISON. 



ILirSTRATED BY IsTMEROIIS EXGRATINGS OF MEDALS, POETRAITS. 



A^'D BAITLE-EIELDSr- - 

.N 0?" ci: 






PHILADELPHIA: 
HENRY CAREY BAIRD, 

(successor to e. l. caret,) 

1857. 



Entered according to Act of Copgress, in the year 1856, by 

UENRY CAREY BAIRD, 

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Eastern 
District of Pennsylvania. 



STEREOTTPED BY L. JOHNSON ft CO. 
PHILADELPHIA. 



M-i>\ 



PRIMED Br T. K. AND P. G. COLUNS. 



PREFACE. 



This work is designed to present a coup-cVceil 
of American military history by means of lively 
sketches of the most important battles fought 
since the commencement of the Revolutionary 
War, by troops and naval forces, in the service 
of the United States. It has been by no means 
an easy task to condense so much history within 
so small a space. The writer hopes and trusts, 
however, that what is contained in this volume 
will be found sufficient for the information of the 
general reader, and that it will dwell in the memory 
more permanently, than if the record of the same 
events had been spread out so as to occupy many 
volumes. 



CONTENTS. 



Battle of Lexington 8 

Capture of Ticonderoga and Crown Point 12 

Battle of Bunker Hill 14 

Siege of Boston 20 

Expedition against Canada 27 

Defence of Fort Moultrie 36 

Descent upon Long Island 40 

Battle of Trenton 43 

Battle of Princeton 50 

Battle of Brandywine 54 

Battle of Germantown 58 

Battles of Red Bank and Fort Mifflin 61 

Battle of Bennington 65 

Battle of Behmus's Heights ' 1 

Battle of Stillwater 75 

Attack on Forts Clinton and Montgomery 79 

Battle of Monmouth 84 

Massacre of Wyoming °8 

Siege of Savannah 95 

Storming of Stony Point 98 

Capture of the Serapis 102 

Capture of Charleston 106 

Battle of ^yaxhaws 109 

Battle of Camden HI 

Battle of King's Mountain 116 

Battle of the Cowpens 121 

Battle of Guilford Court-House 126 

Battle of Ilobkirk's Hill 131 

Battle of Eutaw Springs 134 

Siege of Yorktown 139 

Capture of the General Monk 150 

Close of the Revolutionary War 153 

General Wayne's Victory over the Indians 158 

Capture of L'Insurgente 161 

Burning of the Philadelphia 165 

Bombardment of Tripoli 169 

Capture of Derne 1~3 



CONTENTS. 



Battle of Tippecanoe 178 

Commencement of the War of 1812 — Defence of Fort Harrison 183 

Battles of Ogdensburg, Fort Niagara, and Queenstown 187 

Constitution and Guerriere 194 

United States and Macedonian — Wasp and Frolic — Constitution 

and Java 197 

Battle of Frenchtown , 207 

Siege of Fort Meigs 209 

Defence of Fort Stephenson 215 

Battle of Lake Erie 218 

Battle of the Thames 223 

Hornet and Peacock 225 

Chesapeake and Shannon 229 

Enterprise and Boxei- 233 

Massacre at Fort Mimms 237 

Battles of Tallushatches and Talladega 240 

Expedition to the Hillibee Towns and the Tallapoosa River 246 

Final Treaty of the Creeks 251 

Battle of Chippewa 258 

Battles of Bridgewater and Niagara 262 

Siege of Fort Erie 267 

Battles of Plattsburg and Lake Champlain 275 

Battle of Bladensburg and Capture of the Capital 282 

Attempt of the British on Baltimore 289 

Attack of Fort Bowyer and Capture of Pensacola 291 

Battle of New Orleans 296 

President and Endymion 306 

Constitution, Cyane and Levant 310 

Hornet and Penguin 315 

Porter's Cruise in the Pacific 320 

Seminole War 325 

Black Hawk's War 335 

Second Seminole War 342 

Commencement of the Mexican War, and Battles of Palo Alto 

and Resaca de la Palma 348 

Storming of Montgomery 359 

Battle of Buena Vista 363 

Siege of Vera Cruz 371 

Battle of Cerro Gordo 379 

Battles of Contreras and Churubusco 387 

Storming of Molino Del Rey 405 

Storming of Chapultepec and Capture of Mexico 418 

Siege of Puebla 436 

Battles of lluamantla and Atlixco 443 

Occupation of Califoi'nia and New Mexico 451 




THE 



lalllc-Jjiclbs flf t|c 




The object of most of the wars undertaken by 
Great Britain has been to force her commercial 
system upon other nations. This system had been 
submitted to by her North American colonies with 
a very ill grace for many years before the Revo- 
lution ; and when in addition to it a system of 
direct taxation was resorted to, the Americans, 
foreseeing the ultimate result of further submission, 
resolved upon resistance. Their object at first was 
what they called redress of grievances; but a single 
year of hostilities drove them into a declaration of 
independence, which it cost seven years more of 
war to maintain and perfect. 

7 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE EEPUBLIC. 




THE MINUTE-MAN. 



BATTLE OF LEXINGTON. 



The first blow struck for the freedom of the 
American people was at Lexington. The people, 
long oppressed by the tyranny of the mother-coun- 
try, had begun to make preparations for a struggle 
to free themselves from the taxation and oppression 
of a despot whose only aim seemed to be the drain- 
ing of the coffers of Americans. The stores of 
arms and provisions at Concord first attracted the 
attention of General Gage, commander-in-chief of 
the British forces in America. 

At eleven o'clock at night, on the 18th of April, 
1775, in pursuance of his determination to seize the 
stores at Concord, General Gage embarked 800 
grenadiers and light infantry, the flower of his 
army, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel 



BATTLE OF LEXINGTON. \) 

Smith and Major Pitcairn, on Charles River, at 
Boston Neck. 

Saihng up to Phipp's Farm, they landed there, 
and advanced towards Concord. Some of the 
friends of liberty got notice of this movement; and, 
in spite of the secrecy of their movements, the 
British troops soon found, by the firing of guns and 
ringing of bells, that the alarm was spreading over 
the country. Between four and five o'clock on the 
morning of the 19 th of April, the troops reached 
Lexington, thirteen miles from Boston. About 
seventy of the American militia were standing near 
the road; but, on account of the deficiency of their 
force, they had no idea of attacking the military. 
Major Pitcairn, wdio had gone forward with the 
light infantry, rode towards them, calling out, 
" Disperse, you rebels ! throw down your arms and 
disperse !" The order not being obeyed, the troops 
fired on them. Several Americans dispersed; but, 
finding that the British still fired, they returned the 
fire. Eight Americans were left dead on the field. 

The rest of the detachment, under Lieutenant- 
Colonel Smith, coming up, the soldiers proceeded to 
Concord without any further resistance. The small 
body of militia stationed there retreated across the 
bridge before the^ British light infantry. The main 
body of the troops entered the town, and destroyed 
all the stores of ammunition, arms, and provisions 
which they could lay their hands on. 

American reinforcements arriving, Major Buttrick, 
of Concord, assumed the command, and advanced to 
take the bridge, until then in possession of the 
British light infantry. The light infimtry retired, 



10 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



and commenced pulling up the bridge. The militia 
advancing still, the regulars fired on them. The 
provincials returned the fire, and a sharp contest 
ensued, the Americans finally forcing the British 
to commence their retreat to Boston. But the 
country was now alarmed, and the retreating troops 
were exposed to an irregular but destructive fire 







PEOTINCIALS HAKASSINQ THE BRITISH IN THEIE RETREAT. 



from the militia, who, sheltering themselves behind 
trees, fences, and stone walls, and availing them- 
selves of their superior knowledge of the country, 
kept up an incessant, galling storm of bullets on the 
British. 

The regulars, exhausted with their rapid retreat, 
at last reached Lexington, where Lord Percy joined 
them with 900 men and two pieces of cannon. 

The regulars, now amounting to 1800 men, con- 



BATTLE OF LEXINGTON. 11 

tinued their retreat after a moment's rest at Concord. 
Lord Percy, by means of his cannon, kept the militia 
at their distance; but the gaUing fire still continued. 
In the evening the regulars arrived at Bunker's Hill, 
•where, exhausted by fatigue, they remained until 
morning, and then went into Boston. In this ex- 
pedition the British lost 65 men killed, 180 wounded, 
and 28 made prisoners: — total loss, 273. The 
American loss was 50 killed, 34 wounded, and four 
missing : — total loss 88. From the moment the 
British had arrived in Boston, after this action, that 
place was in a state of siege, which lasted till 
March, 1776. 



12 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 








RUINS OF FORT TI CON DER Q A. 



CAPTURE OF TICONDEROGA AND 
CROWN POINT. 

The fortress of Ticonderoga was thought by the 
British to command all our passes to Canada. 
Though in a somewhat dilapidated condition, it 
was a post of importance. A bold scheme was at 
once formed by a few men in Connecticut to get 
possession of this fortress, and also of Crown Point. 
About forty volunteers, by the authority of Gover- 
nor Trumbull, marched to Castleton, where they 
were joined by Colonel Ethan Allen, with his "Green 
Mountain Boys," which increased the number to 
two hundred and seventy. Colonel Benedict Ar- 



CAPTURE OF TICONDEROGA AND CROWN POINT. 13 

nold, who had meditated the same enterprise, now 
joined the volunteers, and the command was given 
to Colonel Allen. On the 9th of May, they arrived 
on t|ie shore of Lake Champlain, opposite Ticon- 
deroga. Allen and Arnold crossed with eighty- 
three men and surprised the garrison, who were yet 
asleep. Three loud cheers roused them to a sense 
of their danger, and as light skirmish ensued. De 
la Place, the commander, was required to surrender 
the place. "By what authority?" he asked. "I 
demand it," replied Allen, "in the name of the great 
Jehovah and the Continental Congress." The for- 
tress surrendered immediately. Colonel Seth War- 
ner, with a small party of men, surprised and cap- 
tured Crown Point. The pass of Skeensborough was 
seized at the same time by some Connecticut volun- 
teers. At this time a sloop-ofwar was lying at 
St. John's, a town at the northern extremity of 
Lake Champlain. Colonel Arnold surprised and 
seized it. 

Ticonderoga, Crown Point, and the pass of Skeens- 
borough, were all seized without any bloodshed ; and, 
the seizure of the vessel being also efiected without 
the loss of a man, two important posts, a very large 
quantity of military stores, a sloop-of-war, and, above 
all, the command of Lakes George and Champlain, 
were acquired by the daring of a few provincial 
soldiers. 



14 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




GENERAL WARREN. 



BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. 

On the 12th of June, 1775, General Gage issued 
a proclamation offering pardon to all persons " who 
shall forthwith lay down their arms and return to 
the duties of peaceable subjects, excepting only from 
the benefit of such pardon Samuel Adams and 
John Hancock, whose offences are of too flagitious a 
nature to admit of any other consideration than 
that of condign punishment." This proclamation, 
so far from intimidating the colonists, only served 
to strengthen and unite them. 



BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. 15 

An apprehension having been excited, by the 
movements of the British army, that General Gage 
intended invading the interior, movements were 
made in Congress to take measures for the defence 
of Dorchester Neck, and to occupy Bunker's Hill. 

Colonel Prescott was sent with the fragments of 
three regiments, on the night of the ICtli of June, 
to occupy Bunker's Hill. Finding, however, that 
Breed's Hill was a much better spot for a battle- 
ground, and considering that they would not be 
disobeying orders by occupying that place, the en- 
gineers at once commenced a redoubt on the right 
of Breed's Hill. It was about one hundred and 
forty feet square, with two passages for ingress and 
egress. A breastwork of sods was constructed on 
the left of the redoubt; and a screen, made with two 
post-and-rail fences, four feet apart, with grass 
trodden between, extended to Mystic River. 

General Ward, commander of the American forces, 
saw that the British would make an attempt to 
capture the works, and sent reinforcements to Colonel 
Prescott from his camp in Cambridge. Early in 
the morning, one of the men was shot from the 
battery at Copp's Hill, and was buried where he 
fell. No further damage was done, however, though 
the cannonade was incessant. 

General Gage wished to drive the provincials from 
the hill, and for this purpose sent Major-General 
Howe and Brigadier-General Pigot, with ten com- 
panies of grenadiers and ten of light infantry, 
with some artillery, to perform this service. These 
generals waited until three o'clock p.m. for rein- 
forcements from Boston, and then the British began 



16 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

to march slowly up the hill. The Americans were 
ordered to put four buck-shot to a bullet, and to 
reserve their fire until the British were within 
point-blank range. At this moment they poured 
in upon the British a terrible and destructive fire. 
The regulars, who only expected an irregular and 
scattering militia volley, were astounded at the 
deadly fire which made such havoc among their 
ranks. They fell back in confusion. The officers 
had the greatest difficulty in making them form for 
the second time; and, indeed, had it not been for the 
determined bravery of the British commanders and 
the encouraging daring of the officers of lower rank, 
the troops would have met a signal defeat. 

For the second time the British advanced, and a 
second volley was poured into them, making the 
confusion worse than before. Clinton saw this from 
Boston, and hastened over to assist Howe. Both 
generals addressed the troops, called to mind the 
victories gained by British soldiers over all 
European powers, and the everlasting disgrace of 
being beaten by raw militia. Charlestown had 
been set fire to, in order to intimidate the Americans ; 
and the w^iole town, consisting of four hundred 
houses, was in a blaze. The British commanders, 
not daring to trust a third time to bravery, tried 
stratagem. Pigot, taking the command of a con- 
siderable force, went around to the southwestern 
angle of the redoubt and scaled the slight works. 
The Americans were now attacked east and west. 
Their ammunition was exhausted; and, having no 
bayonets, they were forced to retreat, after a short 
fight with the butts of their guns. Those at the 



18 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

breastwork and in the redoubt retreated, and those 
at the rail fence followed, over Charlestown Neck, 
northward. 

It was during the retreat that the Americans 
suffered the most part of their loss. 

Captain Knowlton, having a large company near 
Mystic River, moved up in good order and covered 
the retreat of the provincials. 

The British acknowledged 1054 killed and wound- 
ed, with a large proportion of officers; but their 
loss was undoubtedly greater. 

The Americans had 1500 to 1600 men engaged 
in battle, of whom one hundred and thirty-nine were 
killed and three hundred and fourteen wounded 
and missing. The officers killed on the American 
side were — Majors Moore and McCleary, Colonel 
Gardiner, and Lieutenant-Colonel Parker. Major- 
General Joseph Warren was also among the killed. 
This gallant and brave officer was appointed major- 
general four days previous to the battle, and on his 
entering the redoubt 'Colonel Prescott offered him 
the command, which he refused, saying, "Icaine to 
learn war under an experienced soldier; not to talie 
any commarid." He was at the time ot his death 
president of the Provincial Congress and chairman 
of the Committee of Safety. His death caused the 
Americans to determine never to give up their cause. 
His blood cried from the ground for vengeance. The 
effect of this battle was to inspire the Americans to 
greater deeds of daring. It showed to those wdio 
were in a state of incertitude in regard to which 
side was the best, that the provincials coidd and 
icoidd fight. They had done enough for honor, — 



BATTLE OF LEXINGTON. 



19 



enough to show the British that they were deter- 
mined. They had given themselves confidence in 
their own ability, and they seemed more and more 
likely to make the throne of England totter to its 
base. The loss was severely felt ; the wound they 
had received was deep ; but the British forces — the 
pride of their nation, — the troops who were thought 
invincible, — were twice repulsed and nearly defeated 
by raw militia fighting for their homes and firesides. 




20 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




8IEQE OP BOSTON. 



SIEGE OF BOSTON. 



On the 10 th of May, Congress voted an army of 
20,000 men, chose George Washington to be com- 
mander-in-chief of the army of the United Colonies, 
and emitted three million dollars' worth of bills of 
credit. Washington accepted his high trust, 'though 
with great diffidence. On the request of Congress 
that he would accept the command, he addressed 
the president of that august body in the following 
words : — " Though I am truly sensible of the high 
honor done me by this appointment, yet I feel 
great distress, from a consciousness that my abilities 
and military experience are not equal to the arduous 



SIEGE OF BOSTON. 21 

trust. But, as the Congress desire it, I will enter 
on the momentous duty, and exert every power I 
possess in their service and for the support of the 
glorious cause. I beg they will accept my cordial 
thanks for this high testimony of their approbation." 

Every favorable position was fortified and vigi- 
lantly guarded, so that the British could find no 
point of egress from Boston. Washington and the 
other generals exerted themselves to equip and 
discipline the army. There was no lack of courage 
and zeal among the officers and men ; but they were 
generally unaccustomed to the subordination and 
discipline of the camp, and destitute of the requisite 
arms and ammunition. In the beginning of September 
the army received a supply of seven thousand pounds 
of powder from Rhode Island, and powder-mills were 
erected at various places to supply the demand. 
Washington boldly grappled with the many difficul- 
ties of his situation. He perceived that the expense 
of maintaining an army far exceeded the estimates 
of Congress, and that the short term for which the 
men were enlisted threatened serious consequences. 
The new enlistments were made to serve until the 
1st of December, 1776. 

The British troops in Boston, amounting to about 
10,000 men, were reduced to a very uncomfortable 
condition. The country-people generally refused to 
sell them any provisions, and their naval supplies 
were intercepted by the armed vessels which the 
Massachusetts Assembly had fitted out for the de- 
fence of the coast. On the 10th of October, General 
Gage left Boston for England, and the command 
devolved on General Howe. Several vessels, con- 



22 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

taining a large quantity of stores for the British 
army, were captured by the Massachusetts privateers, 
and afforded a seasonable supply to the Americans. 

On the 13th of December, Congress resolved to 
fit out thirteen ships-of-war, which formed the germ 
of the American navy. It had been also resolved 
to raise a large army, and each of the colonies had 
agreed to furnish a considerable number of men; 
but recruiting went on slowly. No bounty was 
offered until February ; and on the last day of De- 
cember, when the old army was disbanded, Wash- 
ington learned that but 9650 men had been enlisted 
for the campaign of 1776. Compelled to submit to 
inactivity, his means of acting on the offensive were 
magnified, and doubts of his ability and integrity 
rewarded his constant anxiety. Congress desired 
that the town should be attacked ; but a council of 
war decided against the measure. 

It was now deemed expedient to get possession 
of Dorchester Heights; and the night of the 4th of 
March was fixed upon for the attempt. A covering 
party of 800 men led the way. These were followed 
by the carts, with the entrenching tools, and 1200 
of a working party, commanded by General Thomas. 
In the rear there were more than two hundred carts, 
loaded with fascines and hay in bundles. While the 
cannon were playing in other parts, the greatest 
silence was kept by this working party. The active 
zeal of the industrious provincials completed lines of 
defence by morning which astonished the garrison. 
The difference between Dorchester Heights on the 
evening of the 4th and the morning of the 5th 
seemed to realize the tales of romance. The ad- 



SIEGE OF BOSTON. 23 

miral informed General Howe that if the Americans 
kept possession of these heights he would not be 
able to keep one of his majesty's ships in the harbor. 
It was therefore determined, in a council of war, to 
attempt to dislodge them. An engagement was 
hourly expected. It was intended by General Wash- 
ington, in that case, to force his way into Boston 
with 4000 men, who were to have embarked at the 
mouth of Cambridge River. The militia had come 
forward with great alertness, each bringing three 
days' provision, in expectation of an immediate 
assault. The men were in high spirits and impa- 
tiently waiting for the appeal. 

They were reminded that it was the 5th of March, 
and were called upon to avenge the death of their 
countrymen killed on that day. The many emi- 
nences in and near Boston which overlooked the 
ground on which it was expected that the contending 
parties would engage were crowded with numerous 
spectators; but General Howe did not intend to 
attack until the next day. In the night a most 
violent storm, and towards morning a heavy flood 
of rain, came on. A carnage was thus providentially 
prevented, that would probably have equalled, if 
not exceeded, the fatal ITtli of June at Bunker's 
Hill. In this situation it was agreed by the British, 
in a council of war, to evacuate the town as soon as 
possible. 

In a few days after, a flag came out of Boston 
with a paper signed by four select-men, stating 
"that they had applied to General Robertson, who, 
on an application to General Howe, was authorizod 
to assure them that he had no intention of burnino; 



24 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

the town, unless the troops under his command were 
molested during their embarkation, or at their de- 
parture, by the armed force without." When this 
23aper was presented to General Washington, he 
replied " that as it was an unauthenticated paper, 
and without an address, and not obligatory on 
General Howe, he could take no notice of it ;" but 
at the same time intimated his good wishes for the 
security of the town. 

A proclamation was issued by General Howe, 
ordering all woollen and linen goods to be delivered 
to Crean Brush, Esq. Shops were opened and 
stripped of their goods. A licentious plundering 
took place. Much was carried off, and more was 
wantonly destroyed. These irregularities were for- 
bidden in orders, and the guilty threatened with 
death ; but, nevertheless, great mischief was com- 
mitted. 

The British, amounting to more than 7000 men, 
evacuated Boston, March 17th, 1776, leaving their 
barracks standing, a number of pieces of cannon 
spiked, four large iron sea-mortars, and stores to 
the value of £30,000. They demolished the castle 
and knocked off the trunnions of the cannon. 
Various incidents caused a delay of nine days after 
the evacuation, before they left Nantasket Road. 

This embarkation was attended with many cir- 
cumstances of distress and embarrassment. On the 
departure of the royal army from Boston, a great 
number of the inhabitants, attached to the royal 
cause, and afraid of public resentment, chose to 
abandon their country. From the great multitude 
about to depart, there was no possibility of procur- 



SIEGE OF BOSTON". 25 

ing purchasers for their furniture ; neither was there 
a sufficiency of vessels for its convenient trans- 
portation. Mutual jealousy subsisted between the 
army and navy, each charging the other as the cause 
of their common distress. The army was full of 
discontent. Reinforcements, though long promised, 
had not arrived. Both officers and soldiers thought 
themselves neglected. Five months had elapsed 
since they had received any advice of their destina- 
tion. Wants and inconveniences increased their ill- 
humor. Their intended voyage to Halifax sub- 
jected them to great dangers. The coast, at all 
times hazardous, was eminently so at that tempest- 
uous equinoctial season. They had reason to fear 
that they would be blown off to the West Indies, 
and without a sufficient stock of provisions. They 
were also going to a barren country. To add to 
their difficulties, this dangerous voyage, when com- 
pleted, was directly so much out of their way. 
Their business lay to the southward, and they were 
going northward. Under all these difficulties, and 
with all these gloomy prospects, the fleet steered 
for Halifax. Contrary to appearances, the voyage 
thither was both short and prosperous. They re- 
mained there for some time, waiting for reinforce- 
ments and instructions from England. 

When the royal fleet and army departed from 
Boston, several ships were left behind, for the pro- 
tection of vessels coming from England; but the 
American privateers were so alert that they never- 
theless made many prizes. Some of the vessels 
which they captured were laden with arms and war- 
like stores. Some transports, with troops on board, 



26 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

were also taken. These had run into the harbor, 
not knowmg that the place was evacuated. The 
boats employed in the embarkation of the British 
trooj)S had scarcely completed their business, when 
General Washington with his army marched into 
Boston. He was received with marks of approba- 
tion more flattering than the pomps of a triumph. 
The inhabitants, released from the severities of a 
garrison life, and from the various indignities to 
which they were subjected, hailed him as their de- 
liverer. The evacuation of Boston had been j^re- 
viously determined upon by the British ministry, 
from principles of political expediency. Being re- 
solved to carry on the war for purposes affecting all 
the colonies, they conceived a central position to be 
preferable to Boston. Policy of this kind had in- 
duced the adoption of the measure; but the Ameri- 
can works on Roxbury expedited its execution. 

For his services in expelling the British from 
Boston, Congress passed a vote of thanks to General 
Washington and the army, and presented the general 
with a gold medal commemorating the event. 



EXPEDITION AGAINST CANADA. 



27 




MONTGOMERV'3 MONUMENT, AT ST.PAUL'3 CHURCH, NEW TORE. 



EXPEDITION AGAINST CANADA. 



During these transactions in New England, events 
of some importance took place in other parts of 
America. Congress had early directed its attention 
towards Canada, and endeavored either to gain the 
co-operation or secure the neutrality of the inhabit- 
ants in its dispute with Britain. Addresses had 
been repeatedly sent to them in the French as well 
as the English language, representing the tendency 
of the new measures of Parliament ; and these had 
not been without some effect. The Canadians 



28 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

generally were willing to remain neutral in the 
contest. 

Congress believed them to be partial to their cause, 
and resolved to anticipate the British by striking a 
decided blow in that quarter. In this purpose they 
were encouraged by the success of the expedition 
against Crown Point and Ticonderoga, as well as by 
the small number of troops then in Canada. They 
appointed General Schuyler commander of the ex- 
pedition, with General Montgomery to act as second 
in command. Early in September, 1775, these 
officers, with about 1000 men, made an ineffectual 
attack on Fort St. John, situated on the river Sorel, 
but found it expedient to retire to Isle-aux-Noix, at 
the entrance of the lake, about twelve miles above 
the fort, and wait for an increase ' of their effective 
force. 

Meanwhile, General Schuyler being taken ill and 
returning to Albany, the command devolved upon 
General Montgomery, who was instructed to prose- 
cute the enterprise on receiving reinforcements. 
These reinforcements soon arrived ; the attack on 
Fort St. John was renewed; and after a vigorous 
defence it surrendered, about the middle of Novem- 
ber. The Americans found in the fort a consider- 
able number of brass and iron cannon, howitzers, 
and mortars, a quantity of shot and small shells, 
about eight hundred stand of small arms, and 
some naval stores ; but the powder and provisions 
were nearly exhausted. 

During the seige of Fort St. John, Fort Cham- 
blee had been taken, which furnished General Mont- 
gomery with a plentiful supply of provisions, of 



EXPEDITION AGAINST CANADA, 29 

which his army stood much in need. General Carle- 
ton, on his way from Montreal, had been defeated 
and repulsed ; and Colonel Ethan Allen, who had 
made an unauthorized and rash attack on Montreal, 
had been overcome, made prisoner, and sent in irons 
to England. 

On the fall of Fort St. John, General Montgomery 
advanced against Montreal, which was not in a con- 
dition to resist him. Governor Carleton, fully sensi- 
ble of his inability to defend the town, quitted it. 
Next day General Montgomery entered Montreal. 
He treated the inhabitants with great lenity, re- 
specting their religion, property, and rights, and 
gained their good-will by the aflfiibility of his man- 
ners and the nobleness and generosity of his dis- 
position. 

A body of provincials, under Colonel Easton, had 
been despatched by Montgomery, and took post at 
the mouth of the Sorel ; and, by means of an armed 
vessel and floating batteries, commanded the navi- 
gation of the St. Lawrence. The British force which 
had retreated down the river from Montreal, con- 
sisting of 120 soldiers under General Prescott, and 
accompanied by Governor Carleton, seeing it im- 
practicable to force a passage, surrendered by capitu- 
lation. About midnight the day before the capitu- 
lation Governor Carleton escaped down the river, 
passing tlirough the American squadron in a boat 
with muffled oars, and reached Quebec in safety. 

It was now the 19 th of November, and the sea- 
son was very unfavorable to military operations. 
General Montgomery, a young officer of superior 
talent and high spirits, found himself placed in ex- 



30 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

tremely unpleasant circumstances. He was at the 
head of a body of armed men by no means de- 
ficient in courage and patriotism, but totally un- 
accustomed to military subordination. The term of 
service for which many of them had enlisted was 
near an end ; and, heartily weary of the hardships 
of the campaign, they were loudly demanding their 
discharge. Nothing but devotion to the cause could 
have made the general continue the command. 
Hitherto his career had been marked with success ; 
and he was ambitious of closing the campaign with 
some brilliant achievement, which should elevate 
the spirit of the Americans and humble the pride 
of the British ministry. With these views, not- 
withstanding the advanced season of the year, he 
hastened towards Quebec, although he had found it 
necessary to weaken his army, which had never ex- 
ceeded 2000 men, by discharging many of them 
whose terms of service had expired. 

About the middle of September, a detachment of 
1100 men, under Colonel Arnold, had been sent 
from the vicinity of Boston, with orders to march 
across the country against Quebec, by a route which 
had never been explored and was but little known. 
The party embarked at Newbury, steered for the 
Kennebec, and ascended that river, in order to 
reach Canada by penetrating the forests in the in- 
terior of Maine, — a most difficult and hazardous at- 
tempt. Their progress was impeded by rapids and 
by an almost impassable wilderness ; and they suf 
fered incredible hardships through the severity of 
the weather and the want of provisions. They 
separated into several divisions ; and the last, undei 



EXPEDITION AGAINST CANADA. 31 

Colonel Enos, finding itself unable to proceed, re- 
turned to the camp at Roxbury. But the other 
divisions, under Arnold, pressed forward, and tri- 
umphed over every obstacle. For a month they 
toiled through a rough and barren wilderness, with- 
out seeing a human habitation, or the face of an 
individual except of their own party; and their 
provisions were exhausted ; so that Arnold was 
obliged to push forward before the rest, with a few 
followers, and obtain a supply from the nearest 
Canadian settlement. At length, on the 9 th of 
November, the party, with its force much diminished, 
arrived at Point Levi, opposite Quebec. 

His appearance, says an English writer, was not 
unexpected ; for the lieutenant-governor had been 
for some time apprised of his march. In the early 
part of his progress Arnold had met an Indian, to 
whom, although a stranger, he had imprudently 
trusted a letter to General Schuyler, under cover, to 
a friend in Quebec. The Indian, instead of faith- 
fully delivering the letter according to the direc- 
tions which he had received, carried it to the lieu- 
tenant-governor, who, in order to prevent the 
Americans from passing the river, immediately re- 
moved all the canoes from Point Levi, and began to 
j)ut the city in a posture of defence, which, but 
for this folly and rashness of Arnold, might have 
been easily surprised. 

On discovering the arrival of Arnold at Point 
Levi, the British commander stationed two vessels- 
of-war in the river, to guard the passage; and at 
that interesting crisis Colonel McLean, who had re- 
treated before Montgomery, arrived from the Sorel, 



32 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

with about one hundred and seventy newly-raised 
troops to assist in defence of the place. 

In spite of the vigilance of the British, Arnold 
succeeded, on the night of the 14th of November, 
in crossing the river with five hundred men in ca- 
noes, and landed near the place where the brave 
and enterprising Wolfe had landed sixteen years 
before, called, from this circumstance, Wolfe's Cove. 
Not being able to convey his scaling-ladders over 
the river with his troops, he could not immediately 
attack the town. Instead of concealing himself till 
his scaling ladders could be brought forward, and 
then making a sudden and unexpected attack by 
night, he marched part of his troops in military 
parade in sight of the garrison, and so put the 
British fully on their guard. He wished to summon 
them to surrender. But they fired upon his flag of 
truce, and refused to hold any communication with 
him. He therefore, on the 19th of the month, re- 
tired from Quebec to Point aux Trembles, about 
twenty miles above the city, where General Mont- 
gomery, with the force under his command, joined 
him on the 1st of December. From him the sol- 
diers of Arnold received a supply of winter clothing 
which their previous condition rendered particularly 
acceptable. 

Soon after Arnold's retreat, Governor Carleton 
arrived in Quebec, and exerted himself to put the 
place in a state of defence. 

General Montgomery, having brought the scaling- 
ladders across the river, appeared with his whole 
force before Quebec on the 5th of December. The 
garrison was then more numerous than its assailants. 



EXPEDITION AGAINST CANADA. 



33 



The Americans amounted to but nine hundred 
effective men, while Governor Carleton had about 
fifteen hundred, soldiers, militia, seamen, and volun- 
teers, under his command. 

General Montgomery sent a flag of truce to sum- 
mon the garrison to surrender; but it was fired upon, 
as that of Arnold had been ; and, although it was in 
the depth of a Canadian winter and in the most 




DEATH OP MONiaOMEBT. 



intense cold, he proceeded to the difficult task of 
erecting batteries ; but his artillery was too light to 
make any impression on the fortifications. He there- 
fore determined to storm the town ; and the assault 
was made on the morning of the 31st of December. 
About four o'clock in the morning, in the midst 
of a violent storm of snow, two feints and two real 

3 



34 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

attacks were simultaneously made. The real attacks 
were conducted by Montgomery and Arnold. Mont- 
gomery, advancing at the head of about two hundred 
men, fell by the first discharge of grape-shot from 
the works. Several of his best officers being killed, 
his division retreated. Arnold, at the head of about 
three hundred men, in a different quarter, maintained 
a fierce and obstinate conflict for some time, but 
was at last wounded and repulsed, leaving many of 
his men in the hands of the enemy. The death of 
Montgomery was the subject of much regret, as he 
had been universally loved and esteemed. On as- 
sembling after the assault, so large a number had 
been killed or taken prisoners, that the provincials 
could not muster many more than four hundred 
effective men, who chose Arnold for their com- 
mander, and, in the hope of receiving reinforcements, 
resolved to remain in the vicinity of Quebec. 

Sir Guy Carleton acquired much honor, not only 
by his gallant defence of the city, but also by the 
humanity with which he treated all his prisoners. 
The sick and wounded he caused to be taken care 
of, and permitted them, when recovered, to return 
to their homes unmolested. The Americans were 
not ignorant of their own inferiority in point of 
numbers to the garrison, and were not without ap- 
prehensions of being attacked ; but, although the 
garrison was three times more numerous than the 
besieging army, it was of such a mixed and pre- 
carious character that Carleton did not deem it 
prudent to march out against his enemy. 

A small reinforcement from Massachusetts reached 
the American camp, and all the troops that could 



EXFEDITION" AGAINST CANADA. 35 

be spared from Montreal marched to join their 
countrymen before Quebec; but the month of 
February was far advanced before the army 
amounted to 960 men. Arnold, however, resumed 
the siege ; but his artillerj^ was inadequate to the 
undertaking, and made no impression on the works. 
Although unsuccessful against the town, he defeated 
a body of Canadians who advanced to relieve it, 
and succeeded so well in cutting off supplies from 
the country that the garrison was reduced to great 
distress for want of provisions. 



36 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




DEFENCE OF FORT MOULTRIE. 

The triumphant issue of the campaign of 1775, in 
the neighborhood of Boston, was a source of grati- 
fication to the colonists. Washington was cordially 
hailed as the deliverer of Massachusetts, and re- 
ceived a vote of thanks and a gold medal from Con- 
gress. But the power of Britain was yet to be felt. 
During the last session of Parliament, the plan for 
the reduction of the colonies was fixed. The Ameri- 
cans were declared out of the royal protection, and, 
by treaties concluded between Great Britain and 
three states of Germany, 17,000 mercenaries were 
hired to aid in effecting their reduction. 

The intelligence of these measures decided the 
question of independence. Protection and allegiance 
being considered reciprocal, the refusal of the one 
justified the withholding of the other. Reason and 
the passions were successfully appealed to by the 
leading patriots ; and a pamphlet, entitled " Common 



DEFENCE OF FORT MOULTRIE. 37 

Sense," written by Thomas Paine, arguing in plain 
language the advantages and necessity of indepen 
dence, effected a complete revolution in the feelings 
and sentiments of the great mass of the people. 

The plan of the campaign formed by the British 
generals included three objects : — the relief of Quebec 
and the recovery of Canada ; the possession of New 
York as the centre of operations ; and the reduction 
of the Southern colonies. The chief command of the 
forces was given to Sir William Howe, a prudent 
rather than an enterprising general. We have seen 
that Sir Guy Carleton effected the complete recovery 
of Canada. Before the main expedition could be got 
ready, it was determined to send an armament to 
reduce the Southern colonies. 

A squadron under command of Sir Peter Parker, 
conveying 2800 troops, under Sir Henry Clinton, 
arrived at Cape Fear in May, and it was then deter- 
mined to attack Charleston, South Carolina, by sea 
and land. Meanwhile, the inhabitants had received 
intelligence of the approach of the armament, and 
made every exertion to put the capital in a state for 
defence. A fort was erected on Sullivan's Island, 
which is situated so near the channel leading up to 
the town as to be a convenient post for annoying 
vessels approaching it. The garrison, consisting of 
375 regulars and a few militia, was placed under the 
command of Colonel Moultrie. 

On the 28tli of June, 1776, Sir Peter Parker, with 
his formidable squadron, appeared before the fort, 
and between ten and eleven o'clock on that day 
commenced the attack. The garrison made a gal- 
lant and resolute defence. Their lire was well aimed 



38 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



and rapid. The ships were very much cut up, and 
the killed and wounded on board exceeded 200 men. 
The fort, being built of soft palmetto-wood, was 
little damaged, and the loss of the garrison only ten 
men killed and twenty-two wounded. 




IE PETER PARKER. 



Some time before the attack on the fort. General 
Clinton, with a body of troops, landed on Long 
Island, with the intention of crossing the narrow 
passage which divides the two islands and attacking 
the fort in the rear. But General Charles Lee, who 
had been sent to take command of the forces at 
Charleston, stationed Colonel Thompson, with 700 
or 800 men, at the east end of Sullivan's Island, to 
oppose the crossing, and the project was abandoned. 
The inhabitants were fully prepared to meet the 



DEFENCE OF FORT MOULTRIE. 39 

enemy if they should attempt to land, and dispute 
every inch of ground with noble resolution. In the 
evening the firing ceased, the ships slipped their 
cables, and before morning they had retired about 
two miles from the island. Within a few days, the 
whole armament sailed for New York, havins si^:- 
nally failed to accomplish its object. Congress 
passed a vote of thanks to General Lee, and Colonels 
Moultrie and Thompson, for their gallant conduct 
during the attack ; and the fort was from that time 
called Fort Moultrie. The unsuccessful attack upon 
a slightly-built fort by a powerful British armament 
could not but give the colonists a higher opinion of 
their own capability and tend to lower their estima- 
tion of their adversaries. The event relieved the 
Southern States from the apprehension of invasion 
for more than two years, while the Northern States 
were suflering the calamities of war. 



40 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




RETEEAT FROM LONG ISLAND. 



DESCENT UPON LONG ISLAND. 



In the month of August, 1776, the English made 
a descent upon Long Ishmd, with forty pieces of can- 
non, and under cover of their ships. On a peninsula 
formed by the East Kiver and Gowanus Cove, and 
constituting a part of the same island, was General 
Putnam, strongly fortified, and aw^aiting with his 
detachment the approach of the king's troops. Be- 
tween the armies was a range of hills, the principal 
pass through which was near a place called Flatbush. 
At this place the Hessians, forming the centre of the 
royalists, took their station. The left wing, under 
the orders of General Grant, was close upon the 
shore ; and the right, commanded by General Clin- 
ton, Earl Percy, and Lord Cornwallis, and compre- 



DESCENT UPON LONG ISLAND. 41 

bending the chief strength of the British forces, ap- 
proached the opposite coast of Flat Land. General 
Putnam had directed that all the passes should be 
secured by strong detachments of the provincial troops. 
The orders to this purpose, though not disobeyed, 
were not complied witli to the extent that the 
general required ; and one road through the hills, of 
the utmost importance, was entirely neglected, — an 
oversight which was speedily communicated to the 
British, and which they were too wise not to im- 
prove to their advantage. 

On the evening of the 26th, Generals Howe and 
Clinton drew off the right wing of the English army, 
in order to gain the heights. Nearly about day- 
break, he reached the pass undiscovered by the 
Americans, and immediately took possession of it. 
The detachment under Lord Percy followed ; and 
when the day appeared, the royalists advanced into 
the level country between the hills and Brooklyn, 
— a village situated on the peninsula where the 
Americans were encamped. 

Without loss of time, Howe and Clinton fell upon 
the rear of the provincials; and, the Hessians attack- 
ing them in front at the same instant, neither valor 
nor skill could save them from a defeat. Inspirited, 
however, by their generals, and by the presence of 
Washington, they continued the engagement for a 
while, and fought with the bravery of men whom 
the love of freedom animates to deeds of heroism ; 
but, pressed by superior numbers, and thrown into 
confusion, they gave way on every side and fled 
precipitately to the woods. 

Nor was this the only part of the army which 



42 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

suffered ; the right wing, which opposed General 
Grant, experienced a similar fate. They fought 
bravely, and maintained their ground till informed 
of the defeat of the left wing, when they retreated 
in confusion ; and, in order to avoid the enemy, who 
were far advanced on their rear, the greater part of 
them attempted to escape along the dike of a mill- 
dam, and through a marsh, where many of them 
perished ; but a remnant regained the camp. Of a 
regiment consisting of young gentlemen from Mary- 
land, the greater part was cut in pieces, and not one 
of those who survived escaped without a wound. 

The British soldiers behaved with their usual 
courage, and it was with difficulty that they were 
restrained from attacking the American camp ; but 
General Howe checked their impetuosity, believing 
that he could compel the Americans to surrender or 
to evacuate their camp. On that day the Ameri- 
cans lost 2000 men in killed, wounded, and priso- 
ners; among the latter were Generals Sullivan, 
AYoodhull, and Lord Stirling. They also lost six 
pieces of artillery. The acknowledged British loss 
was 21 officers, and 346 privates, killed, wounded, 
and taken. 

A retreat from Long Island now become abso- 
lutely necessary ; and it was effected on the 30th 
of August, without the loss of a man. 

After the retreat from Long Island a number of 
indecisive actions were fought, the most remarkable 
of which were those of Kingsbridge and White 
Plains. Washington ultimately withdrew the main 
force from the colony of New York, and retreated 
across New Jersey to Philadelphia. 



BATTLE OF TRENTON. 



43 




BATTLE OF TRENTON. 

When General Washington crossed the Delaware, 
(1776,) winter was fast setting in; and it was no 
part of General Howe's plan to carry on military 
operations during that inclement season of the year. 
Fearless of a feeble enemy, whom he had easily 
driven before him, and whom he confidently ex- 
pected soon to annihilate, he cantoned his troops 
rather with a view to the convenient resumption of 
their march than with any regard to security against 
a fugitive foe. As he entertained not the slightest 
apprehension of an attack, he paid little attention to 
the arrangement of his several posts for the purpose 
of mutual support. He stationed a detachment of 
about 1500 Hessians at Trenton, under Colonel 
Rhalle, and about 2000 at Bordentown, farther 
down the river, under Count Donop; the rest of 



BATTLE OF TRENTON. 45 

liis army was quartered over the country, between 
the Hackensack and the Delaware. 

General Howe certainly had little apparent cause 
of apprehension ; for his antagonist had fled beyond 
the Delaware at the head of only about 2000 men, 
while he had an army of nearly 30,000 fine troops 
under his command. The Congress had withdrawn 
from Philadelphia, and, by their retreat, had thrown 
that city into much confusion. Their presence had 
overawed the disaffected and maintained the tran- 
quillity of the place; but, on their removal, the 
friends of the British claims, to whom belonged the 
great body of the Quakers, a timid sect, began to 
bestir themselves; and General Putnam, who com- 
manded there, needed a considerable force to pre- 
serve the peace of the city. The country was de- 
jected ; the friends of Congress were filled with the 
most gloomy apprehensions ; and many of the in- 
habitants repaired to the British posts, expressed 
their allegiance to the British crown, and claimed 
protection : so that in those circumstances General 
Howe seemed perfectly secure. 

But in that alarming state of affiiirs the Ameri- 
can leaders still maintained an erect posture, and 
their brave and persevering commander-in-chief did 
not despair. Congress actively employed all the 
means in their power for supporting their indepen- 
dence, and General Washington applied in every 
quarter for reinforcements. He perceived the secu- 
rity of the British commander-in-chief, and the ad- 
vantages which the scattered cantonment of his 
troops presented to the American arms. " Now," 
exclaimed he, on being inibrmed of the widely-dis- 



46 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

persed state of the British troops, "is the time to 
clip their wings, when they are so spread ;" and, ac- 
cordingly, he resolved to make a bold effort to check 
the progress of the enemy. For that purpose he 
planned an attack on the Hessians at Trenton. 
General Putnam, who was stationed in Philadelphia, 
might have been useful in creating a diversion on 
that side ; but in that city the disaffection to Con- 
gress was so great, and the friends of Britain so 
strong, that it was deemed inexpedient to withdraw, 
even for a short time, the troops posted there. But 
a small party of militia, under Colonel Griffin, 
passed the Delaware near Philadelphia, and ad- 
vanced to Mount Holly. Count Donop marched 
against them, but, on their retreat, he returned to 
Bordentown. 

General Washington formed his troops into three 
divisions, which were almost simultaneously to pass 
the Delaware, at three different places, on the even- 
ing of the 25th of December, hoping to surprise the 
enemy after the festivities of Christmas. One divi- 
sion, under General Cadwallader, was to pass the 
river in the vicinity of Bristol, but failed through 
inattention to the state of the tide and of the river, 
as they could not land on account of the heaps of 
ice accumulated on the Jersey bank. The second 
division, under General Irving, was to pass at Tren- 
ton ferry, but was unable to make its way through 
the ice. The third and main division, under the com- 
mand of General Washington in person, assisted by 
Generals Sullivan and Greene^, and Colonel Knox of 
the artillery, accomplished the passage, with great 
difficulty, at McKonkey's Ferry, about nine miles 



BATTLE OF TRENTON. 4/ 

above Trenton. The general had expected to have 
his troops on the Jersey side about midnight, and to 
reach Trenton about five in the morning. But the 
difficulties arising from the accumulation of ice in 
the river were so great, that it was three o'clock in 
the morning before the troops got across, and nearly 
four before they began to move forward. They 
were formed in two divisions, one of which proceeded 
towards Trenton by the lower or river road, and the 
other by the upper or Pennington road. 

Colonel Rhalle had received some intimation that 
an attack on his post was meditated, and probably 
would be made on the evening of the twenty-fifth. 
Captain Washington, afterwards much distinguished 
as an officer of cavalry, had for some days been on 
a scouting-party in the Jerseys with about fifty foot- 
soldiers; and, ignorant of the meditated attack on 
the evening of the twenty-fifth, had approached 
Trenton, exchanged a few shots with the advanced 
sentinels, and then retreated. The Hessians con- 
cluded that this was the threatened attack, and 
became quite secure. Captain Washington, in his 
retreat, met the general advancing against Trenton 
by the upper road, and joined him. Although some 
apprehensions were entertained that the alarm ex- 
cited by Captain Washington's appearance might 
have put the Hessians on their guard, yet, as there 
was now no room either for hesitation or delay, the 
Americans steadily continued their march. The 
night was severe : it sleeted, snowed, and was in- 
tensely cold, and the road slippery. But General 
Washington advanced firmly, and at eight o'clock 
in the morning reached the Hessian advanced posts. 



48 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

which he instantly drove in ; and, so equal had been 
the progress of the columns, that in three minutes 
afterwards the firing on the river road announced 
the arrival of the other division. 

Colonel Rhalle, who was a courageous officer, soon 
had his men under arms, and prepared for a brave 
defence; but early in the engagement he received 
a mortal wound, and his men being severely galled 
by the American artillery, about one thousand of 
them threw down their arms and surrendered them- 
selves prisoners of war ; but a considerable body of 
them, chiefly light horse, retreated towards Borden- 
town and made their escape. 

In this attack not many Hessians were killed, and 
the Americans lost only four or five men, some of 
whom were frozen to death by the intense cold of 
the night. Some of General Washington's officers 
wished him to follow up his success, and he was 
much inclined to pursue that course ; but a coun- 
cil of war was averse to the measure, and he did 
not think it advisable to act contrary to the pre- 
vailing opinion. On the evening of the twenty-sixth 
he repassed the Delaware, carrying his prisoners 
along with him, and their arms, colors, and ar- 
tillery. 

This enterprise, although it failed in several of its 
parts, was completely successful in so far as it was 
under the immediate direction of the commander-in- 
chief; and it had a happy effect on the affiiirs of 
America. It was the first wave of the returning 
tide. It filled the British with astonishment; and 
the Hessians, wliose name had before inspired the 
people with fear, ceased to be terrible. The pri- 



BATTLE OF TRENTON. 



49 



soners were paraded through the streets of Philadel- 
phia to prove the reality of the victory, which the 
friends of the British government had denied. The 
hopes of the Americans were revived, and their 
spirits ekvated ; they had a clear proof that their 
enemies were not invincible, and that union, cou- 
rage, and perseverance, would insure success. 




BATTLE-OKOCND OF TEENTON. 



50 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF TUE REPUBLIC. 




GENERAL mercer's MONUMENT AT LAUREL HILL CEMETERY, PHIL^DELPffU. 

BATTLE OF PRINCETON. 

The alarm was now spread throughout the British 
army. A strong detachment under General Grant 
marched to Princeton; and Earl Cornwallis, who 
was on the point of sailing for England, was ordered 
to leave New York and resume his command in the 
Jerseys. 

On joining General Grant, Lord Cornwallis imme- 
diately marched against Trenton. On his approach, 
General Washington crossed a rivulet named the 
Asumpinck, and took post on some high ground, 
with the rivulet in his front. On the advance of 
the British army on the afternoon of the 2d of Janu- 



BATTLE OF PRINCETON. 51 

ary, 1777, a smart cannonade ensued, and continued 
till night, Lord Cornwallis intending to renew the 
attack next morning; but soon after midnight Gene- 
ral AVashington silently decamped, leaving his fires 
burning,^ his sentinels advanced, and small parties 
to guard the fords of the rivulet, and, by a circuit- 
ous route through Allentown, proceeded towards 
Princeton. 

It was the most inclement season of the year; but 
the weather favored his movement. For two days 
before it had been warm, soft, and foggy, and great 
apprehensions were entertained lest, by the depth 
of the roads, it should be found impossible to trans- 
port the baggage and artillery with the requisite 
celerity; but about the time the troops began to 
move, one of those sudden changes of weather which 
are not unfrequent in America happened. The 
wind shifted to the northwest while the council of 
war which was to decide on their ulterior operations 
was sitting. An intense frost set in ; and, instead 
of being obliged to struggle through a miry road, 
the army marched as on solid pavement. The 
American soldiers considered the change of weather 
as an interposition of heaven in their behalf, and 
proceeded on their way with alacrity. 

Earl Cornwallis, in his rapid march towards Tren- 
ton, had left three regiments, under Lieutenant- 
Colonel Mawhood, at Princeton, with orders to 
advance on the third of the month to Maidenhead, 
a village about half-way between Princeton and 
Trenton. General Washington approached Prince- 
ton towards daybreak, and shortly before that time 
Colonel Mawhood's detachment had begun to ad- 



BATTLE OF PRINCETOi^. Oo 

vance towards Maidenhead, by a road- at a little 
distance from that on which the Americans were 
marching. The two armies unexpectedly met, and 
a smart engagement instantly ensued. At first the 
Americans were thrown into some confusion ; but 
General Washington, by great personal exertions, 
restored order, and renewed the battle. Colonel 
Mawhood, with a part of his force, broke through 
the American army, and continued his route to 
Maidenhead; the remainder of his detachment, be- 
ing unable to advance, retreated by different roads 
to Brunswick. 

In this rencounter a considerable number of men 
fell on each side. The Americans lost General 
Mercer, whose death was much lamented by his 
countrymen. Captain Leslie, son of the Earl of 
Leven, was among the slain on the side of the 
British ; and he was buried with military honours 
by the Americans, in testimony of respect not to 
himself merely, but to his family also. 



54 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




WASHINGTON'S H E AD- Q H A R I EE S AT B R A N D T W I N E. 



BATTLE OF THE BRANDYWINE. 

At the opening of the campaign of 1777, the 
movements of General Howe greatly perplexed the 
American commander-in-chief, who dreaded a junc- 
tion of the forces under Generals Howe and Bur- 
goyne ; and who could scarcely believe that the 
former would sail to the southward and abandon 
the latter, who was advancing from Quebec, by way 
of the Lakes Champlain and George, towards Albany. 
He also received contradictory accounts of the course 
which General Howe had steered; sometimes it was 
said that he w^as returning to the North River, and 
sometimes that the Delaware was the place of his 
destination, which last was the true account. But at 
that season of the year southerly winds prevail on the 
coast; and it was the 30th of July before the British 
commander reached the capes of the Delaware. 



BATTLE OF THE BRANDYWINE. 65 

His original intention was to sail up the river to 
Philadelphia; but, being informed that the Ameri- 
cans had obstructed the navigation, he altered his 
plan, and, still steering southward, entered Chesa- 
peake Bay. On the appearance of the British arm- 
ament oft' the Delaware, General Washington moved 
towards Philadelphia; but, being told that the fleet 
had again put to sea, his perplexity returned, and 
he held himself in readiness to march with the 
utmost rapidity towards the North River, if needful. 
But, on the 24th of August, he was relieved from 
his painful suspense by certain information that the 
British fleet had sailed up the Chesapeake Bay, and 
that the army was landing at the head of the Elk 
River. 

At the place of debarkation the British army was 
within a few days' march of Philadelphia ; no great 
rivers were in its way; and there was no very 
strong position of which the enemy could take pos- 
session. On landing. General Howe issued a pro- 
clamation, promising pardon and protection to all 
who should submit to him; but, as the American 
army was at hand, the proclamation jproduced little 
effect. 

General Washington distinctly understood the 
nature of the contest in which he was engaged; 
and, sensible of the inferiority of his raw and dis- 
orderly army to the veteran troops under Sir Wil- 
liam Howe, he wished to avoid a general engage- 
ment; but, aware of the effect which the fall of 
Philadelphia would produce on the minds of the 
people, he determined to make every effort in order 
to retard the progress and defeat the aim of the royal 



56 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE EEPUBLIC. 

army. Accordingly, he marched to meet General 
Howe, who, from want of horses, many of which 
had perished in the voyage, and from other causes, 
was unable to proceed from the head of the Elk 
before the 3d of September. On the advance of the 
royal army, General Washington retreated across the 
Brandywine, a rivulet or creek which falls into the 
Delaware at Wilmington. He took post, with his 
main body, opposite Chad's Ford, where it was ex- 
pected the British would attempt the passage ; and 
ordered General Sullivan, with a detachment, to 
watch the fords above. He sent General Maxwell, 
with about 1000 light troops, to occupy the high 
ground on the other side of the Brandywine, to 
skirmish with the British, and retard them in their 
progress. 

On the morning of the 11th of September, the 
British army advanced in two columns ; the right, 
under General Knyphausen, marched straight to 
Chad's Ford; the left, under Lord Cornwallis, ac- 
companied by the commander-in-chief and Generals 
Grey, Grant, and Agnew, proceeded, by a circuitous 
route, towards a point named the Forks, where the 
two branches of the Brandywine unite, with a view 
to turn the right of the x\mericans and gain their 
rear. General Knyphausen's van soon found itself 
opposed to the light troops under General Maxwell. 
A smart conflict ensued. General Knyphausen re- 
inforced his advanced guard and drove the Ameri- 
cans across the rivulet, to shelter themselves under 
their batteries on the north bank. General Knyp- 
hausen ordered some artillery to be placed on the 
most advantageous points, and a cannonade was 



BATTLE OF THE BRAND YWINE. 57 

carried on with the American batteries on the 
heights beyond the ford. 

Meanwhile, the left wing of the British crossed 
the fords above the Forks. Of this movement 
General Washington had early notice. After pass- 
ing the fords, Lord Cornwallis took the road to Dil- 
worth, which led him on the American right. 
General Sullivan occupied the heights above Bir- 
mingham church, his left extending to the Brandy- 
wine, his artillery judiciously placed, and his right 
flank covered by woods. About four in the after- 
noon Lord Cornwallis formed the line of battle and 
began the attack ; for some time the Americans sus- 
tained it with intrepidity, but at length gave way. 
When General Washington heard the firing in that 
direction, he ordered General Greene with a brigade to 
support General Sullivan. General Greene marched 
four miles in forty-two minutes, but, on reaching the 
scene of action, he found General Sullivan's division 
defeated and fleeing in confusion. He covered the 
retreat; and, after some time, finding an advanta- 
geous position, he renewed the battle, and arrested 
the progress of the pursuing enemy. 

General Knyphausen, as soon as he heard the 
firing of Lord Cornwallis's division, forced the pas- 
sage of Chad's Ford, attacked the troops opposed 
to him, and compelled them to make a precipitate 
and disorderly retreat. General Washington, with 
the part of his army which he was able to keep 
together, retired, with his artillery and baggage, 
to Chester, where he halted, within eight miles 
of the British army, till next morning, when he 
retreated to Philadelphia. 



58 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




A D M I R A I, LORD HOWE. 



BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN. 



On receiving information of the success of the 
royal army under his brother at Brandj^wine, 
Admiral Lord Howe left the Chesapeake and steered 
for the Delaware, where he arrived on the 8th of 
October. As soon as General Howe had gained pos- 
session of Philadelphia, he began to clear the course 
of the river, in order to open a free communication 
with the fleet. 

The Americans had laboured assiduously to ob- 
struct the navigation of the Delaware ; and, for that 
purpose, had sunk three rows of chevaux-de-frise, 
formed of large beams of timber bolted together, 
with strong projecting iron spikes, across the channel, 
a little below the place where the Schuylkill falls into 
the Delaware. The upper and lower rows were 
commanded by fortifications on the banks and islands 
of the river, and by floating batteries. 

While the detachments employed in assisting to 
clear the course of the river weakened the royal 



BATTLE OF GERMAXTOWX. 



59 



army at Germantown, General Washington, who 
Lay encamped at Skippach Creek, on the north side 
of the Schuylkill, about seventeen miles from Ger- 
mantown, meditated an attack upon it. German- 
town consisted of one street about two miles long ; 
the line of the British encampment bisected the 
village almost at right angles, and had its left 
covered by the Schuylkill. General Washington, 




ATTACK ON MR. CHEW'S HOUSE. 

having been reinforced by 1500 troops from Peeks- 
kill, and 1000 Virginia militia, marched from Skip- 
pach Creek on the evening of the 3d of October, and 
at dawn of day next morning attacked the royal 
army. After a smart conllict, he drove in the 
advanced guard, which was stationed at the head 
of the village, and, with his army divided into five 
columns, prosecuted the attack; but Lieutenant- 



60 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

Colonel Musgrave, of the 40th regiment, which had 
been driven in, and who had been able to keep five 
companies of the regiment together, threw himself 
into Mr. Chew's large stone house in the village, 
wdiich stood in front of the main column of the 
Americans; and there almost a half of General 
Washington's army was detained for a considerable 
time. Instead of masking the house with a sufficient 
Ibrce and advancing rapidly with their main body, 
the Americans attacked the house, which was ob- 
stinately defended. This saved the British army ; 
for the critical moment was lost in fruitless attempts 
on the house ; the royal troops had time to get under 
arms and be in readiness to resist or attack as cir- 
cumstances required. General Grey came to the 
assistance of Colonel Musgrave. The engagement for 
some time was general and warm ; at length the 
Americans began to give way, and effected a retreat 
with all their artillery. The morning was very 
foggy^ — a circumstance which had prevented the 
Americans from combining and conducting their 
operations as they otherwise might have done, but 
which now favored their retreat by concealing their 
movements. 

In this engagement the British had 600 men killed 
or wounded ; among the slain were Brigadier-Gene- 
ral Agnew and Colonel Bird, officers of distin- 
guished reputation. The Americans lost an equal 
number in killed and wounded, besides 400 who 
were taken prisoners. General Nash, of North 
Carolina, was among those who were killed. After 
the battle, General Washington returned to his en- 
campment at Skippach Creek. 



BATTLE OF RED BANK. 61 



FORT MIFFLIN. 



BATTLES OF RED BANK AND FORT 
MIFFLIN. 

Although the British army had been success- 
ful in repulsing the Americans, yet their situation 
was not comfortable; nor could they easily main- 
tain themselves in Pennsylvania unless the naviga- 
tion of the Delaware were opened and a free com- 
munication established between the fleet and army. 
The upper line of chevaux-de-frise was protected 
by a work named Fort Mifllin, erected on a marshy 
island in the Delaware called Mud Island, formed 
by an accumulation of sand and vegetable mould 
near the Pennsylvania bank of the river, and by 
a redoubt, called Red Bank, on the Jersey side. At 
a small distance below Mud Island, and nearly in a 
line with it, are two others, named Province and 
Hog's Islands ; between these and the Pennsylvania 
bank of the river was a narrow channel, of sufficient 
depth to admit ships of moderate draught of water. 
The reduction of Forts Mifflin and Red Bank, and the 
opening of the Delaware, were of essential importance 
to the British army in the occupation of Philadelphia. 
In order, therefore, that he might be able more con- 



62 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

veniently to assist in those operations, General Howe, 
on the 19th of October, withdrew his army from 
Germantown, and encamped in the vicinity of 
Philadelphia. 

He despatched Colonel Count Donop, a German 
officer, with three battalions of Hessian grenadiers, 
the regiment of Mirbach, and some light infantry, 
to reduce Red Bank. This detachment crossed the 
Delaware at Philadelphia on the evening of the 21st 
of October, and next afternoon reached the place of 
its destination. Count Donop summoned the fort to 
surrender ; but Colonel Christopher Greene, of Rhode 
Island, who commanded in the redoubt, answered 
that he would defend his post to the last extremity. 
Count Donop immediately led his troops to the as- 
sault, advancing under a close fire from the fort 
and from the American vessels-of-war and floating 
batteries on the river; he forced an extensive and 
unfinished outwork, but could make no impression 
on the redoubt. The count was mortally wounded ; 
the second in command also was disabled; and, 
after a desperate conflict and severe loss, the assail- 
ants were compelled to retreat under a fire similar 
to that which had met them in their advance. 
Colonel Donop was made prisoner, and soon died of 
his wounds. 

The disaster did not terminate here. That part 
of the fleet which co-operated in the attack was 
equally unfortunate. The Augusta, Roebuck, Liver- 
pool, Pearl, and Merlin, vessels-of-war, had passed 
through an opening in the lower line of chevaux-de- 
frise, and, on the commencement of Count Donop's 
attack, moved up the river with the flowing tide. 



BATTLE OF RED BANK. 63 

But the artificial obstructions had altered the course 
of the channel and raised sand-banks where none 
existed before. Hence the Augusta and Merlin 
grounded a little below the second row of chevaux- 
de-frise. At the return of the tide every exertion 
was made to get them off, but in vain. In the 
morning the Americans, perceiving tlieir condition, 
began to fire upon them, and sent fire-ships against 
them. The Augusta caught fire ; and, the flames 
spreading rapidly, it was with the utmost difficulty 
that the crew were got out of her. The second 
lieutenant, chaplain, gunner, and some seamen, 
perished in the flames ; but the greater part of the 
crew was saved. The Merlin was abandoned and 
destroyed. 

Notwithstanding these misfortunes, the operations 
requisite for reducing the forts on the river were 
carried on with great activity. Batteries were 
erected on the Pennsylvania bank opposite Mud 
Island ; but, from the difficulty of constructing 
works on marshy ground, and of transporting heavy 
artillery through swamps, much time was consumed 
before they could be got ready to act with effect. 
The British also took possession of Province Island, 
and, although it was almost wholly overflowed, 
erected works upon it. 

On the 15th of November, every thing was ready 
for a grand attack on Fort Mifilin. The Vigilant 
armed ship and a hulk, both mounted with heavy 
cannon, passed up the strait between Hog and Pro- 
vince Islands and the Pennsylvania bank, in order 
to take their station opposite the weakest part of 
the fort. The Isis, Somerset, Roebuck, and several 



64 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



frigates, sailed up the main channel as far as the 
second line of chevaux-de-frise would permit them, 
and placed themselves in front of the work. 

The little garrison of Fort Mifflin, not exceeding 
300 men, had greatly exerted themselves in oppos- 
ing and retarding the operations of the British fleet 
and army against them ; and in this desperate crisis 
their courage did not forsake them. A terrible can- 
nonade against Fort Mifflin was begun and carried 
on by the British batteries and shipping, and was 
answered by the fort, by the American galleys and 
floating batteries on the river, and by their works 
on the Jersey bank. In the course of the day, the 
fort was in a great measure demolished and many 
of the guns dismounted. The garrison, finding 
their post no longer tenable, retired, by means of 
their shipping, daring the night. Two days after- 
wards, the post at Red Bank was evacuated also. 
Lord Cornwallis marched against it ; but the gar- 
rison retreated before his arrival. 



BATTLE OF BENNINGTON. 



65 








GENERAL SCnUYLEE. 



BATTLE OF BENNINGTON. 

The object of the invasion of Burgoyne, under- 
taken in 1777, was to possess himself of all the 
defences from Canada to New York, cut off New 
England from the Middle and Southern provinces, 
and then conquer it. At first he was successful. 
In the course of a few days after the commencement 
of active operations, he captured Ticonderoga and 
Mount Independence, drove the Americans from 
Lakes Champlain and George, and compelled them 
to seek shelter behind the Hudson. General Schuy- 
ler resisted his advance by blocking up the roads, 
and retreated from Fort Edward to Saratoga. 



66 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE KEFUBLIC. 

The invading general now found himself in want 
of supplies. In these circumstances, General Bur- 
gojne conceived the plan of procuring a supply for 
his army from a different quarter. It was well 
known that the American army received live cattle 
from New England, which were collected at Ben- 
nington, twenty-four miles east from the Hudson, 
where a large deposit of carriages, corn, flour, and 
other necessaries, had been made. For this purpose 
he moved down the east side of the Hudson, and 
encamped nearly opposite Saratoga, which place the 
American army left on the 15th of August, and 
retreated to the confluence of the Mohawk and 
Hudson Rivers. He sent his van across the river 
by a bridge of boats; and at the same time de- 
spatched Colonel Baum, a German officer, with 500 
men, partly cavalry, two pieces of artillery, and 100 
Indians, to surprise Bennington. 

General Stark, with the New Hampshire militia, 
400 strong, happened to be in that vicinity, on his 
way to join General Schuyler. He heard first of 
the approach of the Indians, and soon afterwards 
was informed that they were supported by a regular 
force. He collected his brigade, sent expresses to 
the neighboring militia to join him, and also to 
Colonel Warner's regiment at Manchester. On the 
morning of the 14th of August he marched against 
the enemy at the head of 700 men, and sent Colonel 
Gregg, with 200 men, to skirmish in their front and 
retard their progress. He drew up his men in order 
of battle; but, on coming in sight of him, Baunie 
halted on advantageous ground, sent an express 
to General Burgoyne, informing him of his situa- 



BATTLE OF BENNINGTON". 



67 



tion, and fortified himself as well as circumstances 
would permit. 

Some small skirmishing-parties of the Americans 
killed several Germans and two Indian chiefs, with- 
out sustaining any loss; and this slight success not 
a little elated them. In a council of war, it was 




^^■"^^-i!^^ 



BATTIE OP BENNINGTON. 



resolved to attack Baum next day; but next day it 
rained incessantly, and the attack could not be made, 
although there was some skirmishing. 

On the morning of the IGth, Stark, having re- 



68 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

ceived some reinforcements, sent detachments by 
the right and left of the enemy, with orders to unite 
in their rear and begin the attack in that quarter. 
But, before they met, the Indians retreated between 
the columns, and, receiving a fire as they passed, sus- 
tained some loss. The detachments, according to 
orders, began to attack on the rear of the enemy, 
and were assisted by Stark, who instantly advanced 
to the charge in front. Baum made a brave de- 
fence. The battle lasted two hours, during which he 
was furiously assailed on every side by an incessant 
discharge of musketry. He was mortally wounded ; 
his troops were overpowered; a few of them escaped 
into the woods and tied, pursued by the Americans ; 
the rest were killed or taken prisoners. Thus, with- 
out artillery, with old rusty firelocks, and with 
scarcely a bayonet, these militia entirely defeated 
500 veterans, well armed, provided with two pieces 
of artillery, and defended by breastworks. 

After the victory the greater part of the militia 
dispersed in quest of booty, and their avidity fur 
spoil nearly proved fatal to them; for, on receiving 
Baum's express. General Burgoyne ordered Colonel 
Brehman, who had before been sent forward to Bat- 
ten Hill for the purpose, to march to the assistance 
of his countrymen with the Brunswick grenadiers, 
light infantry, and chasseurs, amounting to 500 men. 
Colonel Brehman set out at eight in the morning 
of the 15th; but the roads were rendered almost 
impassable by incessant rains; and, although he 
marched with the utmost diligence, yet it was four 
the next afternoon before he reached the vicinity 
of the place where his countrymen had been de- 



BATTLE OF BENNINGTON". 69 

feated. The first notice which he received of 
Baum's disaster was from the fugitives whom he 
met. He easil^^ repulsed the few militia who were 
in pursuit of them ; and from the scattered state of 
Stark's troops, had the prospect of being able to 
make himself master of the stores, which were the 
great object of the expedition. But, at that critical 
moment. Colonel Warner's regiment of continentals 
arrived, and instantly engaged Brehman. The firing 
reassembled the scattered militia, who joined in the 
battle as they came up. Colonel Brehman main- 
tained the conflict till dark ; when, abandoning his 
artillery and baggage, he retreated, and, escaping 
under cover of night, with the shattered remnant of 
his detachment, regained the camp. 

In these engagements the Americans took four 
brass field-pieces, alx)ut one thousand muskets, (a 
most seasonable supply to the ill-armed militia,) 
nine hundred swords, and four baggage-wagons. 
Exclusive of Canadians and other loyalists, the loss 
of the royal army could not be less than 700 men in 
killed, wounded, and prisoners, although General 
Burgoyne stated it at only about 400. The Ameri- 
cans admitted the loss of about 100 in killed and 
wounded ; but this was certainly under the truth. 

This was the first check which General Bur- 
goyne's army had met with, and it was a severe 
one, and had a fatal influence on the campaign. 
The loss of a few hundred men was nothing, com- 
pared with the effects which it produced upon the 
minds of the people ; it greatly elated them, and 
gave the militia, who had been much dispirited by 
the late defeats, confidence in themselves, and en- 



70 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



couraged them to hasten to the army in great num- 
bers, in order to consummate the work which they 
had begun. Before the events in the vicinity of 
Bennington, dejection and alarm pervaded the North- 
ern provinces ; but those events dispelled the gloom, 
infused spirit and vigor into the militia, and gave a 
new aspect to affairs on the Hudson. 




GENEEAL SCHUYLER'S B E S I D E N C E, S C H U T L E E VI LL E. 



BATTLE TF BEHMUS S HEIGHTS. 



71 










ARNOLD AT BEHMTIS'S HEIGHTS. 



BATTLE OF BEHMUS'S HEIGHTS. 



On the 19th of August, 1777, General Schuyler 
was superseded, and the command of the Northern 
army was assumed by General Gates. 

General Gates, who was now joined by all the 
Continental troops destined for the Northern depart- 
ment, and reinforced by considerable bodies of mili- 
tia, left the strong position which Schuyler had 
taken at the confluence of the Mohawk with the 
Hudson, eight miles above Albany, proceeded sixteen 
miles up the river towards the enemy, and formed 
a strong camp near Stillwater. The two armies 



72 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

were only about twelve miles distant from each 
other; but the bridges between them were broken 
down, the roads were bad, and the country was 
covered with woods ; consequently, the progress of 
the British army, encumbered by its fine train of 
artillery and numerous wagons was slow, and it 
was attended with some skirmishing. 

On the evening of the 17th, General Burgoyne 
encamped within four miles of the American army, 
and spent the next day in repairing the bridges be- 
tween the two camps, which he accomplished with 
some loss. About mid-day on the 19th of Septem- 
ber he put himself at the head of the right wing of 
his army, and advanced through the woods towards 
the left of the American camp : General Frazer and 
Colonel Brehman, with the grenadiers and light in- 
fantry, covered his right flank, and the Indians, 
loyalists, and Canadians, proceeded in front. The 
left wing and artillery, commanded by Generals 
Philips and Reidesel, proceeded along the great road 
near the river. 

The nature of the ground prevented the contend- 
ing armies from observing the movements of each 
other ; but General Gates, whose scouts were in con- 
stant activity, was soon informed of the advance of 
the British army. He detached Colonel Morgan, a 
bold and active partisan, with his riflemen, to ob- 
serve the motions and impede the progress of the 
enemy. Morgan soon met the advanced parties in 
front of the British right wing, and drove them 
back. General Burgoyne supported them by a strong 
detachment; and, after a severe conflict, Morgan in 
his turn was compelled to give way. But General 



BATTLE OF BEIIMUS'S HEIGHTS. 73 

Gates reinforced him, and the engagement became 
more general. The Americans attempted to turn 
the right flank of the British army, with the view 
of attacking it in the rear ; but, being opposed by 
Frazer and Brehman, they made a rapid movement, 
and commenced a furious attack on the left of the 
British ricrht wing. The combatants were rein- 
forced ; and, between three and four in the afternoon, 
General Arnold, with nine Continental regiments 
and Morgan's riflemen, was closely engaged with the 
whole right wing of the British army. Both parties 
fought with the utmost determined courage ; and 
the battle ended only with the day. When it be- 
came dark, the Americans withdrew to their camp ; 
and the royal troops lay all night on their arms on 
the field of battle. On hearing the firing at the 
beginning of the engagement, General Philips, with 
some artillery, forced his way through the woods 
and rendered essential service. During the battle, 
General Burgoyne behaved with the utmost intre- 
pidity and exposed himself to every danger. In 
the evening, it was believed in the American camp 
that he was amongr the wounded ; for numbers of 
Americans climbed trees in the rear of their coun- 
trymen, and, whenever the smoke cleared away for 
a moment, took aim at the British officers. One of 
these marksmen, seeing an aide-de-camp delivering a 
message to General Burgoyne, being deceived by the 
rich furniture of his horse, fired at the aide-de-camp 
and wounded him, mistaking him for the general. 

In this battle, in which each party had nearly 
3000 men actually engaged, the British lost upwards 
of 500 in killed and wounded, and the Americans 



74 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



about 400 men. Night separated the combatants : 
each side claimed the victory, and each beheved 
that with a part only of its own force it had beaten 
the whole of the hostile army. But, although 
neither army was defeated, it was evident who had 
gained the advantage : General Burgoyne had failed 
in the attemj^t to dislodge the enemy, and his pro- 
gress was arrested. His communication with the 
lakes was cut off, and his resources were daily fail- 
ing ; while the Americans had the same opportunities 
of gaining supplies as before, and their strength was 
still increasing by the arrival of fresh troops. In 
such circumstances, to fight without a decisive vic- 
tory was to the British nearly equivalent to a de- 
feat; and to fight without being beaten was to the 
Americans productive of many of the consequences 
of victory. 

Accordingly, the news of the battle were received 
w^itli joy and exultation throughout the United 
States, and the ruin of the invading army was con- 
fidently anticipated. The militia were encouraged 
to take the field and assist in consummating the 
work so auspiciously begun. At that time the army 
under the command of General Gates did not much 
exceed 7000 men ; but it was soon considerably in- 
creased. 



BATTLE OF STILLWATER. 



75 



-r?^'\.v'£:&^ "'• 




BUEGOYNE'S CAMP ON THE HUDSON. 



BATTLE OF STILLWATEE. 



After the battle of Behmus's Heights, the safety 
of the British cirmy Lay only in retreat. It was un- 
able to advance : to fall back on the lakes and return 
to Canada, although difficult, was not then impossible. 
But every hour lessened the probability of victory 
and rendered retreat more impracticable. General 
Burgoyne, however, could not at once dismiss all 
the splendid visions of conquest and glory which 
had so long dazzled his imagination ; and he flat- 
tered himself with the hope of a powerful co-opera- 
tion on the side of New York, which had not been 



76 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

concerted, and was not to happen. Under those 
deUisions he lingered in his strong camp from the 
20th of September till the 7th of October. During 
tliat interval daily skirmishes happened, which ac- 
customed the raw troops of America to the face of 
an enemy. General Gates, sensible that delay was 
in his favor, meditated no immediate attack on the 
hostile camp, but diligently took measures to pre- 
vent the escape of the royal army from the toils in 
which it was entangled. 

General Burgoyne's difficulties were great and 
daily increasing. His army was reduced to 5000 
regular troops ; his provisions were almost exhausted, 
and his men put on short allowance ; his horses 
were perishing for want of forage; he was so en- 
vironed by the enemy that he could procure no 
fresh supplies, and he had received no recent intelli- 
gence from Sir Henry Clinton. He could not long 
remain in the position which he then occupied, and 
he was not ignorant of the difficulty and danger of 
a retreat. In these circumstances he resolved to 
try the fortune of another battle, as a victory 
would enable him either to advance, or to retreat 
with safety. 

According!}^, on the 7th of October he led out 
1500 men, well provided with artillery, and, accom- 
panied by Generals Philips, Reidesel, and Frazer, 
marched against the enemy, leaving his camp on 
the high grounds under the care of Generals Hamil- 
ton and Specht, and the redoubts and posts adja- 
cent to the river under General Gell. General 
Burgoyne's detachment had scarcely formed within 
about half a mile of the enemy's entrenchments. 



BATTLE OF STILLWATER. 77 

when its left, where the grenadiers were posted, was 
furiouly assailed. The Germans, who were on the 
right of the grenadiers, were also soon engaged. 
Three regiments, under General Arnold, proceeded 
to attack the right of the British detachment in 
front, while another division endeavored to turn its 
flank and gain its rear. In order to frustrate this 
intention. General Frazer, with the light infantry 
and part of the 24th regiment, was ordered to cover 
the right; but, while he was making a movement 
for that purpose, the left was overpowered and gave 
way. To save it from destruction, Frazer hastened 
to its assistance, but met with an American corps of 
riflemen, which briskly attacked him ; and he was 
mortally wounded in the conflict. The whole royal 
detachment now gave wriy, and, with the loss of 
most of its artillery, retreated to the camp. The 
Americans closely pursued, and, under a tremendous 
fire of grape-shot and musketry, fiercely assaulted 
the works throughout their whole extent. Arnold, 
who conducted the assault, urged on his men, but 
was ultimately repulsed by the British under the 
immediate orders of General Burgoyne, after having 
had his horse shot under him and being wounded in 
the same leg which had been injured at Quebec. 
The left of the American detachment, under Colonel 
Brooks, was more successful. It turned the right 
of the royal encampment, stormed the works of the 
German reserve, under Colonel Brehman, who was 
killed, and his troops retreated, with the loss of all 
their artillery and camp-equipage ; while Brooks 
maintained the ground which he had gained. 

Darkness, as on the 19 th of September, put an 



78 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

end to the bloody conflict ; and the Americans Lay 
all night on their arms, about half a mile from the 
lines, with the intention of renewing the assault 
in the morning. The advantage which they had 
gained was great. Without any considerable loss, 
they had killed many of the enemy, made upw\ards 
of 200 prisoners, among whom were several officers 
of distinction, taken nine pieces of brass artillery, 
all the baggage and camp-equipage of a German 
brigade, obtained a large supply of ammunition, of 
which they stood much in need, and had entered 
the royal lines and gained a position which tlireat- 
ened their rear. About midnight, General Lincoln 
with his division marched from the American camp 
to relieve the troops who had been engaged, and to 
occupy the ground which they had won. 

This was Burgoyne's last great battle. On the 
16 th of October he capitulated, and his whole army 
became prisoners. 



ATTACK ON FORTS CLINTON AND MONTGOMERY. 79 




ATTACK ON FORTS CLINTON AND 
MONTGOMERY. 

The attack on Forts Clinton and Montgomery, 
wliich had been delayed till the arrival of reinforce- 
ments from Europe, had been successfully made. 
The voyage of these reinforcements was tedious ; 
but they arrived at New York in the end of Sep- 
tember, and Sir Henry Clinton, without delay, em- 
barked 3000 men in vessels of different descriptions, 
and, convoyed by some ships-of-war under Commo- 
dore Hotham, sailed up the Hudson. 

Forts Clinton and Montgomery, against which 
the expedition was directed, were situated on high 
ground of difficult access, on the western bank of 
the river, about fifty miles above New York. They 
were separated by a rivulet, which, flowing from the 
hills, empties itself into the Hudson. Under cover 
of the guns, a boom was stretched across the river 
from bank to bank, and strengthened by an im- 
mense iron chain in front, as well as supported by 
chevaux-de-frise sunk behind it. Above this strong 
barrier a frigate and galleys were moored, so as to 



80 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



be able to direct a heavy fire against any vessels 
that might attempt to force a passage. This seemed 
to present an insuperable obstacle in the way of the 
British shipping towards Albany. Fort Indepen- 
dence stood four or five miles below, on a high i:>oint 
of land, on the opposite side of the river. Fort 
Constitution was six miles above the boom, on an 
island near the eastern bank. Peekskill, the head- 




BEFENCE OF FORT MONTGOMERY. 



quarters of the officer who commanded on the Hud- 
son from Kingsbridge to Albany, was just below 
Fort Independence, on the same side. General 
Putnam then held that command, and had about 
2000 men under him. 

On the 5th of October, Sir Henry Clinton landed 
at Verplank's Point, a little below Peekskill, on the 
same side of the river. General Putnam, appre- 
hending that the enemy intended to attack Fort 



ATTACK ON" FORTS CLINTON AND MONTGOMERY. 81 

Independence and to march through the highlands 
on the east of the river towards Alban}-, retired to 
the heights in his rear; and, entertaining no sus- 
picion of the real point of attack, neglected to 
strengthen the garrisons of the forts on the western 
bank. 

The British jfleet moved higher up the river, in 
order to conceal what was passing at the place 
where the troops had landed ; and, on the evening 
of the day on which he had arrived at Verplank's 
Point, Sir Henry Clinton embarked upwards of 
2000 of his men, leaving the rest to guard that post. 
Early next morning he landed at Stony Point, on 
the west side of the river, and immediately began 
his march over the mountains towards the forts. 
The roads were difficult and the enterprise perilous; 
for a small body of men, properly posted, might not 
only have arrested his progress, but repulsed him 
with much loss. He, however, reached the vicinity 
of the forts before he was discovered ; there he fell 
in with a patrol, who immediately retreated and 
gave warning of the approaching danger. 

Between four and five on the afternoon of the 6th 
of October, the British appeared before the forts, 
which they summoned to surrender, and, on re- 
ceiving a refusal, instantly advanced under a heavy 
fire to the assault. Both forts, garrisoned by about 
600 men, were attacked at the same time : Fort 
Montgomery by Colonel Campbell at the head of 
900 men ; and Fort Clinton, the stronger of the two 
posts, by Sir Henry Clinton with 1200. Fort Mont- 
gomery was soon taken ; but Colonel Campbell fell 
in the attack. Most of the garrison, favored by 

6 



82 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



the darkness and by their knowledge of the passes, 
made their escape. At Fort Clinton the resistance 
was more obstinate ; but that fort also "was stormed, 
and a considerable number of the garrison killed or 
made prisoners. 

General Putnam had no suspicion of the real 
point of attack till he heard the firing, when he 
despatched 500 men to the assistance of the garri- 
sons ; but the ibrts w^ere taken before they arrived, 




DEFENCE OF PORT CLINTON. 



and consequently they returned to camp. In storm- 
ing the forts, the British had about 150 men killed 
or wounded. Besides Colonel Campbell, Captain 
Stewart, Major Sill, and Count Grabousky, a Polish 
nobleman who served as a volunteer in the royal 
army, were among the slain. The Americans lost 
300 men, in killed, wounded, and prisoners. 

The American vessels-of-war in the river, being 



ATTACK ON FORTS CLINTON AND MONTGOMERY. 83 

unable to escape, were burnt by their crews, in order 
to prevent them from falling into the hands of the 
British, who removed the boom and chain, and 
opened the navigation of the river. Fort Inde- 
pendence was evacuated ; and Fort Constitution, 
where the navigation was obstructed by a boom and 
chain, was also abandoned, without any attempt to 
defend it. The British proceeded up the river, de- 
stroying every thing in their power. They advanced 
to Esopus, which they laid in ashes, but proceeded 
no ftxrther. In this expedition they took or destroyed 
a large quantity of American stores. 

General Putnam retreated up the river ; informed 
General Gates that he was unable to arrest the pro- 
gress of the enemy, and advised him to prepare for 
the worst. But, although his rear was threatened. 
General Gates was eager in improving the advan- 
tages he had gained over the British army, which 
was now reduced to the most distressing circum- 
stances, these events having transpired just before 
the surrender of Burgoyne. 



84 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




GENERAL LEE. 



BATTLE OF MONMOUTH. 



Feaeful for the safety of their army, the British 
ministers had sent orders to Howe to evacuate the 
city of PhiLadelphia and the river Delaware with- 
out dehiy, lest the French fleet, which it was pre- 
sumed would sail for America in the spring, might 
entrap him, and cause the loss of both fleet and 
army. 

Accordingly, the royal army crossed the Delaware 
into New Jersey, on the 18th of June. Washington 
had previously detached Maxwell's brigade to aid 
the Jersey militia in checking their march, whilst 
he should fall on their rear himself with the main 
body. The Americans crossed the Delaware in 
pursuit of the British, while six hundred men were 



BATTLE OF MONMOUTH. 



85 



detached under Morgan, to reinforce Maxwell. The 
British marched to Allentown, and there chose the 
road to Sandy Hook, to avoid crossing the Raritan, 
which they must have done if they had marched 
direct to Amboy. They encamped, on the 27th of 
June, near Freehold Court-House, in Monmouth 
county. Washington sent General Wayne, with 
one thousand men, to reinforce the troops already 
on their lines. La Fayette was sent to command 
this division, which amounted to four thousand men, 







COUNCIL OF OFFICERS BEFORE THE BATTLE OP MONMOUTH. 

and Lee soon after joined them, with two addi- 
tional brigades, and took charge of the whole. Mor- 
gan hovered on the right flank of the British, with 
his corps, and Dickinson was on the left, with eight 
hundred Jersey militia. Washington was three 
miles in the rear, with the main body. He deter- 
mined to make an attack upon the British before 



86 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

they should reach the strong grounds about Middle- 
town. Lee was ordered to maintain his dispositions 
for an attack, and to keep his troops constantly on 
their arms, so as to take advantage of the first 
movement of the enemy. Knyphausen led the van, 
wutli the baggage, and the best troops were placed 
in the rear, under Cornwallis. 

At break of day, on the 28th of June, the royal 
army began their march ; but the rear waited until 
eight o'clock in the morning. Lee followed them 
into the plains ; Clinton turned, with his whole rear- 
division, to attack the Americans, and Lee began 
the engagement. Owing to some misunderstanding, 
part of the American forces began to retreat, and 
the rest soon followed in great disorder. Washing- 
ton now came up with the main body, and, to his 
great astonishment and mortification, met the ad- 
vanced division in full retreat, Lee intending to re- 
new the battle on higher ground. Washington rode 
forward and addressed General Lee in warm terms 
of disapprobation. Yet his indignation could not get 
the better of his self-command ; and he immediately 
set himself to repair the error which had been com- 
mitted. He ordered Lee to arrest the progress of 
the flying soldiers, while he brought up the main 
body to their assistance. Lee executed his orders 
with his characteristic courage and skill. A sharp 
conflict ensued : the Americans were compelled to 
retreat, and were this time brought off" by Lee in 
good order. The British advanced, and attacked 
the second line of the Americans, which was strongly 
posted, and made such a vigorous resistance that 
the enemy were compelled to give way; and at 



BATTLE OF MONMOUTH. 87 

night Clinton withdrew his troops to a good position, 
wliere he remained till midnight, when he resumed 
his march, carrying most of his wounded along 
with him. 

The Americans lost in this battle 69 killed and 
140 wounded; while the British, after burying some 
of their dead in the night, left on the field of battle 
247 killed, who were buried by the Americans. 
They left 44 wounded, and took many others with 
them. Clinton continued his retreat unmolested, 
owing to the bad state of the roads; but, on his 
march through Jersey, a large number of his men, 
who had married in Philadelphia, deserted, and re- 
turned to that city. The British lost Lieutenant-Colo- 
ne\ Monckton, and the Americans Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel Bonner and Major Dickenson, all able officers. 
Washington moved towards the Hudson, and 
D'Estaing sailed up the Delaware, with twelve ships- 
of-the-line and three frigates, not ten days after 
Howe had quitted it ; when, finding his enemy gone, 
he sailed for New York, and blockaded the British 
fleet in the harbor. 




88 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




COLONEL Z. BUTLER. 



MASSACRE OF WYOMING. 

In the spring of 1778, the settlers, fearing an 
attack, sent an express to the Board of War, to re- 
present the danger in which the settlement at 
Wyoming was of being destroyed by the Indians 
and tories, and to request that the men who had 
gone from the valley and joined the Continental 
army might be ordered to return and assist in the 
defence of their homes. Their request was granted ; 
and a company, commanded by Captain Spalding, 
composed of what remained of the two companies 
before mentioned as having been enlisted at Wyo- 
ming, set out for the valley, and were within two days' 
march of it on the day of the fatal battle. About 
the 1st of June, the same year, a scouting-party 
from Captain Hewitt's company discovered a num- 
ber of canoes, with Indians, on the river at some 



MASSACRE OF WYOMING. 89 

distance above the settlement ; and a few days after, 
a party of Indians attacked, and killed or made pri- 
soners, nine or ten men, while at work on the bank 
of the river, about ten miles above the fort. Many 
circumstances indicated the approach of a large body 
of the enemy. Such was the situation of the settle- 
ment when Colonel Butler arrived. This was the 
latter part of June, and but a few days before the 
battle. On the 1st of July, the militia under the 
command of Colonel Denison, with all others who 
were capable and willing to bear arms, assembled at 
the fort in Wilkesbarre, being the principal fort. 
They made an excursion against the enemy, killed 
two Indians, and found the bodies of the men who 
had been murdered by them. . When they returned, 
each man was obliged to go to his own house and 
furnish himself with provisions, as there were none 
collected at the fort. In consequence of this disper- 
sion, they were not able to assemble again until the 
3d of July, when their whole strength amounted to 
about 350 men. 

It probably would have been greater, but many 
of the settlers chose rather to remain in the other 
forts, for the purpose of defending their families and 
property, in which they naturally felt a greater in- 
terest than in the general welfare. Of the whole 
force, consisting of the militia. Captain Hewitt's 
company of rangers, and a few volunteers, including 
several officers and soldiers of the regular army who 
happened to be in the valley. Colonel Butler was re- 
quested to take the command. The whole, as before 
stated, amounted to about 350 men, indifferently 
furnished with arms and ammunition. 



90 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



As the enemy had entered the valley at the ui^per 
end, and had advanced directly towards the fort in 
which the settlers were assembled, the object of the 
savages was supposed to be to attack them in the 
fort. The enemy had taken Fort Wintermote and 
one other small fort and burned them, and were 
burning and laying waste the whole country in their 
progress. Colonel Butler held a consultation with 



, ./-^^.^^^ /)ify^\pl I r 




MASSACRE AT WYOMING. 



the officers ; and it was decided to be best to go out 
and intercept the progress of the enemy, if possible, 
and put an end to the scene of devastation which 
they witnessed. Being perfectly acquainted with 
the country, they marched out some distance from 
the fort, and formed on the bank of a creek, in a 
very advantageous situation. Here they lay con- 
cealed, expecting that the enemy would advance to 



MASSACRE OF WYOMING. 91 

attack the fort, and knowing that if they did so they 
would pass the place where the Americans were in 
ambush. In this situation they remained near half 
the day; but, no enemy appearing, a council was 
called, in which there was a difference of opinion as 
to the expediency of advancing and attacking the 
enemy, or of returning to the fort, there to de- 
fend themselves until the arrival of Captain Spald- 
ing's company, which was daily expected. On the 
one hand, the hope of succor and their uncertainty 
as to the strength of the enemy were urged as 
reasons for returning^ and on the other, the de- 
struction of the whole country, which would in- 
evitably follow such a step, together with the insuffi- 
ciency of the fort and the want of provisions to 
enable them to stand a siege, were powerful reasons 
in favor of risking an immediate battle. Captain 
Lazarus Stewart, a brave man, famous in the country 
for his exploits among the Indians, and whose opi- 
nion had much weight, urged an immediate attack ; 
declaring that if they did not march forward that 
day and attack the enemy he would withdraw with 
his whole company. This left them no alternative, 
and they advanced accordingly. 

They had not gone above a mile before the ad- 
vance-guard fired upon some Indians who were in 
the act of plundering and burning a house. These 
fled to their camp and gave the alarm that the 
Americans were approaching. Fort Wintermote 
was at this time the head-quarters of the enemy. 
Their whole force, consisting of Indians, British, and 
tories, was, as near as could afterwards be ascer- 
tained, about 1000 men, and was commanded by 



92 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

Colonel John Butler, an officer of the British army, 
and an Indian chief called Brandt. They were ap- 
parently unapprised of the movements of the Ameri- 
cans until the return to the main body of those 
Indians who had been fired on. They inmiediately 
extended themselves in a line from the fort across 
a plain covered with pine-trees and underbrush. 
When formed, the right of the enemy rested on a 
swamp, and their left on Fort Wintermote. The 
Americans marched to the attack also in a line, 
Colonel Zebulon Butler leading on the right wing, 
opposed by Colonel John Butler, at the head of the 
British troops, painted to resemble Indians ; Colonel 
Denison was on the left, and opposed by Brandt and 
the Indians. In this position the parties engaged, 
and each supported its ground for some time with 
much firmness. At length the Americans on the 
right hand had the advantage of the fight, having 
forced the enemy's left wing to retire some distance. 
But on the left the battle soon wore a different as- 
pect. The Indians, having penetrated the swamp, 
were discovered attempting to get into their rear. 
Colonel Denison immediately gave orders for the left 
to fall back and meet them as they came out of the 
swamp. This order was misunderstood, and some 
of the men or officers cried out, "The colonel orders 
a retreat !" The left immediately gave way ; and, 
before they could be undeceived as to the object of 
the order, the line broke, and the Indians rushed on 
with hideous yells. Colonel Zebulon Butler, who 
had continued on horseback throughout the day, 
finding that the right wing was doing well, rode to- 
wards the left. When he got a little more than 



MASSACRE OF ^'YOMIXG. 93 

half-waj down the line he discovered that his men 
were retreating, and that he was between the two 
fires, and near the advancing line of the enemy. 
The right had no notice of the retreat until the 
firing on the left had ceased and the yelling of the 
savages indicated their success. This wing, no 
longer able to maintain its ground, was forced to 
retreat, and the route soon became general. The 
officers were principally killed in their ineffectual 
attempts to rally the men. The defeat was total, and 
the loss in killed was variously estimated at from 
two to three hundred of the settlers. Of Captain 
Hewitt's company but fifteen escaped. The loss of 
the enemy was also considerable. Colonels Butler 
and Denison, although nmch exposed to the enemy's 
fire, escaped. Colonel Butler collected four or five 
men together in their flight, directed them to retain 
their arms, and when any of the Indians, who were 
scattered over the plain hunting for their victims, 
approached the little party, they fired upon them, 
and by this means they secured their retreat to 
Forty Fort. Many of the settlers, at the commence- 
ment of their flight, had thrown away their arms, 
that they might be better able to escape. But this 
was of no avail, for the Indians overtook and killed 
them with their tomahawks. The few that escaped 
assembled at Forty Fort ; but the inhaljitants were 
so nuicli disheartened by their defeat that they were 
ready to submit upon any terms that might be 
oflered. The enemy refused to treat with Colonel 
Butler, or to give quarter to any Continental officer 
or soldier. Indeed, it had been determined, if 
they were taken, to deliver them into the hands of 



94 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

the Indians. Colonel Butler then left the valley 
and proceeded to a place on the Lehigh, called 
Gnadenhutten. On the 4th of July, Colonel Deni- 
son and Colonel John Butler entered into articles of 
capitulation for the surrender of the settlement. By 
these articles it was stipulated, among other things, 
that "the lives of the inhabitants should be pre- 
served," and that they should " occupy their farms 
peaceably;" that "the Continental stores should be 
given up ;" and that " the private property of the in- 
habitants should be preserved entire and unhurt." 
The enemy then marched into the fort ; but the con- 
ditions of the capitulation were entirely disregarded 
on their part. The Indians plundered the inhabitants 
indiscriminately, and stripped them even of such of 
their wearing-apparel as they chose to take. Com- 
plaint was made to Colonel John Butler, who turned 
his back upon them, saying he could not control the 
Indians, and walked out of the fort. The peojole, 
finding that they were left to the mercy of the tories 
and savages, fled from the valley, and made the best 
of their way, about fifty miles, through the wilder- 
ness, to the nearest settlement of their friends, 
leaving their property a prey to the enemy. All 
the houses on the northwest side of the Susquehanna 
were plundered and burned. They afterwards plun- 
dered and burned the town of Wilkesbarre. Ha,ving 
accomplished their hellish purpose of destruction and 
desolation, the main body of the enemy returned to 
Niagara, taking with them all the horses, cattle, and 
other property which they did not think proper to 
destroy. 



SIEGE OF SAVANNAH. 



95 




^ir^ 



DEATH OF PULASKI. 



SIEGE OF SAVANNAH. 

The summer of 1779 was occupied by the 
British in strenc;theninir themselves in Georgia and 
endeavoring to extend their conquests to the Caro- 
linas. General Lincoln attacked them unsuccessfully 
at Stono Ferry, and then retired to Sheldon, near 
Beaufort, while Prevost retreated to Savannah, (June, 
1779.) 

The military aspect of things remained unal- 
tered here until September, when Count D'Estaing, 
who had been prevailed on by General Lincoln, and 
President Lowndes, of South Carolina, to aid in the 
Southern campaign, appeared off the coast and 
roused the whole country to action. 

After having victualled and repaired his fleet at 
Boston, he had sailed to the West Indies, where he 



96 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

had taken St. Vincent and Grenada. About the 
beginning of the year he had retired to Cape Fran- 
9ais, and he afterwards sailed for the American con- 
tinent. His fleet consisted of twenty sail-of-the- 
line, two fifty-gun ships, and eleven frigates. As 
soon as his arrival was known, Lincoln marched for 
Savannah. The British, to prepare for their defence, 
had nearly their whole army employed, day and 
night, in strengthening and extending their lines; 
while the American militia, sanguine in the hope 
of expelling the enemy from their Southern pos- 
sessions, joined the army with unusual alacrity. 
D'Estaing had demanded a surrender, and allowed a 
suspension of hostilities for twenty-four hours, during 
which interv^al Colonel Maitland, with about 800 
men, from Beaufort, succeeded in joining the gar- 
rison. Prevost at length answered that he would 
defend the place to the last extremity. On the 
4th of October, the batteries of the besiegers were 
opened, with nine mortars and fifty-two cannon. 
Finding that a long time would be required to take 
the place by regular approaches, it was determined 
to assault the town. In pursuance of this design, 
on the 9th of October, while two feints were made 
with the militia, a real attack was made on Spring 
Hill battery, just as daylight appeared, with two 
columns, consisting of 3500 French troops, 600 Con- 
tinentals, and 350 of the inhabitants of Charleston. 
The allies marched boldly to the assault; but a 
very heavy and well-directed fire from tlie battery 
threw their front columns into confusion. They 
still pressed forward to a redoubt, where the conflict 
became fierce and desperate. A French and an 



SIEGE OF SAVANNAH. 97 

American standard were for a time on the parapet ; 
but the assailants, after sustaining the enemy's fire 
fifty-five minutes, were ordered to retreat. Of the 
French 537, and of the Continentals and militia 241, 
were killed or wounded. Among those who fell, 
none was more deeply lamented than the gallant 
Count Pulaski, a Polish officer in the American 
service. Immediately after this unsuccessful assault 
the militia almost universally went to their homes, 
and Count D'Estaing, re-embarking his troops and 
artillery, left the continent. 

While the siege of Savannah was pending, a 
remarkable enterprise was effected by Colonel John 
White, of Georgia. Previous to D'Estaing's arrival, 
about 100 tory regulars had taken post near the 
Ogeechee Kiver, twenty-five miles from Savannah. 
There were at the same place five British vessels, 
four of which were manned with forty sailors and 
armed with eighteen guns. Colonel White, with six 
volunteers, captured all this force. On the 30th of 
September, at eleven o'clock at night, he kindled a 
number of fires in different places, adopted the 
parade of a large encampment, practised a variety 
of other stratagems, and finally concluded his demon- 
strations by summoning the captain of the tories to 
surrender. The latter was so fully impressed with 
the opinion that nothing but instant compliance could 
save his men from being cut to pieces by a superior 
force that he made no defence. White managed 
his bold enterprise with such address that all the 
prisoners, amounting to 141, were secured, and 
conducted by their captors to the town of Sunbury, 
twenty-five miles distant. 

7 



98 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




GENERAL ■WAYNE. 



STORMING OF STONY POINT. 

Meantime, Washington was posted at West Point ; 
and while the British were sending parties of plun- 
derers into Connecticut and Virginia, under General 
Matthews and the infamous Governor Tryon, Wayne 
performed one of his most brilliant feats. 

Stony Point and Fort La Fayette, on opposite 
sides of the Hudson, some miles below the Ameri- 
can camp, afforded two posts which might prac- 
ticably be attacked. They had been taken from 
the Americans in the spring, when the works were 
incomplete, and Clinton had garrisoned them and 
put the fortifications in the best state of repair. 
After reconnoitring the works in person, Washing- 
ton determined to surprise them. The attempt was 
hazardous; for Stony Point is a commanding hill. 



STORMING OF STONY POINT. 99 

projecting far into the Hudson, which washes three- 
fourths of its base. The remaining fourth is in a 
great measure covered by a deep marsh, commenc- 
ing near the river, on the upper side, and continuing 
till it joins it below the fort. The marsh was pas- 
sable only at one place ; but at its junction with the 
river there is a sandy beach, which may be crossed 
at ebb-tide. The fort stood on the summit of the 
hill, and was well provided with artillery. Several 
breastworks and strong batteries were raised in front 
of the principal fortification, and there were two 
rows of abattis half-way down the hill. The fort 
was garrisoned by about 600 men, under Lieutenant- 
Colonel Johnson ; and several ships-of-w^ar were 
stationed in the river, so as to command the foot of 
the hill. 

On the 15tli of July, 1779, General Wayne 
marched from Sandy Beach, fourteen miles distant 
from Stony Point, at the head of the detachment of 
troops, which were chiefly New Englanders. The 
road was mountainous, rugged, and difficult; the 
heat was intense, and it was eight in the evening 
before the van of the party reached Spring Heels, 
a mile and a half from the fort, where the detach- 
ment halted and formed, while General Wayne and 
some of his officers proceeded to take a view of the 
works. At half-past eleven, the party, in two co- 
lumns, advanced towards the garrison. One hundred 
and fifty volunteers, under Colonel Fleury, formed 
the van of the right, and 100 volunteers, under 
Major Stewart, composed the van of the left. Both 
advanced with unloaded muskets and fixed bayonets, 
and each was preceded by a forlorn hope of 20 men, 



100 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



led by Lieutenants Gibbons and Knox, to remove 
the obstructions and abattis, and to open a passage 
for the columns, which followed close in the rear. 
Having taken care to secure every person on the 
route who could give information of their approach, 
the columns reached the marsh undiscovered. In 
crossing it, unexpected difficulties occurred, and it 
was twenty minutes past twelve when the attack 




W t S T POINT. 



commenced, A tremendous discharge of musketry 
and grape-shot opened on the assailants ; but both 
columns rushed forward with fixed bayonets, and 
soon gained possession of the fort. 

This was a brilliant exploit, and the assailants 
gained more noble and permanent honors by their 
humanity than by their bravery; for, although the 



STORMING OF STONY POINT. 101 

place was taken by storm, and the American troops 
"were greatly exasperated by the merciless ravages 
and devastations committed by the enemy on the 
coast of Connecticut, yet not one individual of the 
garrison suffered after resistance ceased. The garri- 
son lost 20 men killed in the conflict, and 74 wound- 
ed, including six officers. The Americans had 63 
killed, two of whom were officers ; but the wounded 
did not exceed 40. Seventeen out of 20 of Lieu- 
tenant Gibbon's forlorn hope were either killed or 
wounded. The prisoners amounted to 543, includ- 
ing officers; and the military stores, ordnance, and 
standards, which fell into the hands of the victors, 
were considerable. 

Owing to the defenceless state of the works on 
the river-side, wliich would now be exposed to 
attacks from the British shipping in the river, it 
was estimated that it would require a garrison of 
1500 men to defend the place; and General Wash- 
ington could not spare that number from his little 
army, which amounted in all to scarcely 9000 men. 
He therefore deemed it expedient to evacuate the 
place, after having, to a certain extent, demolished 
the works. 

Clinton soon after again took possession of Stony 
Point, ordered the fortifications to be repaired, and 
stationed a strong garrison in the fort ; but, fiiiling 
in his attempts to draw Washington from his strong 
position in the Highlands, he again sailed down the 
river to New York. 



102 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




PAUL JONES. 



CAPTURE OF THE SERAPIS. 

The French ministry, to testify their good-will to 
the United States, had promised to furnish Paul 
Jones with a ship, in which, however, he was to 
display the American flag ; but, after various written 
memorials, no progress seemed to have been made 
towards the fulfilment of this engagement. At 
length he determined to apply in person, and, hav- 
ing gone to Paris, he soon obtained the command of 
the Due de Duras, of forty guns. The name, how- 
ever, he changed to Le Bon-Homme Richard, in com- 
pliment to the wise saying of Poor Richard : — " If 
you would have your business done, come yourself; 
if not, send." In this vessel, badly manned and not 
much better furnished, Paul Jones sailed as commo- 
dore of a little squadron, consisting, besides his own 
ship, of the Alliance, of thirty-six guns, the Pallas, of 
thirty-two, the Serf, of eighteen^ the Vengeance, of 
twelve, and two privateers, which requested leave 
to share the commodore's fortunes. After taking 
several prizes, the Serf, the privateers, and at length 



CAPTURE OF THE SERAPIS. 103 

the Alliance, deserted the squadron. The commo- 
dore's good fortune, however, did not desert him. 
On the 15th of September, he was, with his own 
ship, the Pallas, the Vengeance, and several prizes, 
at the entrance into the Firth of Forth, where they 
made every necessary disposition to seize the guard- 
ship and two cutters that rode at anchor in the 
roads, and to lay Leith, and perhaps Edinburgh, 
under contribution. The wind, which was fair in 
the night, opposed them in the morning. However, 
on the 16th, the little squadron continued all day to 
work up the Firth. At this time a member of the 
British Parliament, observing them from the coast 
of Fife, and mistaking them for the king's ships, 
sent off a boat to inform the commodore that he 
was greatly afraid of Paul Jones, and to beg some 
powder and shot. Our hero, much amused with the 
message, sent him a barrel of gunpowder, with a 
civil answer to quiet his fears and an apology for 
not including shot in, the present. 

Next morning, at daybreak, every thing was in 
perfect readiness to commence the engagement, and 
two tacks more would have brought the strangers 
alongside their enemies, when, at that critical mo- 
ment, a sudden gale of wind swept down the Firth, 
raging with such violence as completely to over- 
power them, to sink one of the prizes and drive all 
the rest of the squadron fairly out to sea. By this 
failure the captains of the Pallas and Vengeance 
were so much disheartened that they could not be 
prevailed on to renew the attempt. 

Continuing their cruise, after various adventures, 
the squadron suddenly discovered the homeward- 




(Ifllly;' ;i^ii,'':!|f 



CAPTURE OF THE SERAPIS. 



105 



bound British Baltic fleet, off Scarborough Castle, 
escorted by the frigate Serapis and the Countess of 
Scarborough. After a long engagement, in Mdiich 
Paul Jones displayed the most astonishing skill, in- 
trepidity, and presence of mind, the Countess of Scar- 
borough struck to the Pallas, and the Serapis to the 
Bon-Homme Richard, which latter ship was reduced 
to so shattered a state that next morning, after all 
hands had left her, she went to the bottom. The 
Serapis was not in much better condition, the com- 
modore having, with his own hands, lashed the two 
ships together, to prevent the enemy from availing 
himself of his superiority in weight of metal. 




106 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




conNT d'estaino. 



CAPTURE OF CHARLESTON. 



During the year 1780, the contest between Great 
Britain and her ancient colonies was carried on 
chiefly in the Southern States. As soon as Sir 
Henry Chnton ascertained that Count D'Estaing 
had left the American coast, he hastened to de- 
spatch an expedition against South Carolina, leav- 
ing the garrison at New York under the command of 
General Knyphausen. Early in February the troops 
landed within thirty miles of the capital. Go- 
vernor Rutledge, to whom the Assembly of South 
Carolina had recently given extraordinary powers, 
ordered the militia to rendezvous ; but the repulse at 
Savannah at the close of the preceding campaign 
had produced such a dispiriting effect that but few 
complied. The defences of Charleston consisted of 



CAPTURE OF CnARLESTON". 107 

a chain of redoubts, lines, and batteries, extending 
from Asliley to Cooper River, on which were mounted 
upwards of eighty pieces of artillery ; and on all sides 
of the town, where a landing was practicable, bat- 
teries were erected and covered with artillery. 
General Lincoln, trusting to these defences, and 
expecting large reinforcements, remained in Charles- 
ton at the earnest request of the inhabitants, and, 
with the force under his command, resolved to de- 
fend the place. On the 21st of March the British 
fleet crossed the bar, and anchored in Five Fathom 
Hole. Commodore Whipple, who commanded the 
American vessels, finding it impracticable to prevent 
the enemy from passing over the bar, fell back to 
Fort Moultrie, and afterwards to Charleston. In 
a few days the town was invested by sea and land, 
and the British commanders summoned General 
Lincoln to surrender : the demand was, however, 
met by a firm refusal. The batteries of the first 
parallel were now opened upon the town, and soon 
made a visible impression ; and, to prevent the recep- 
tion of the reinforcements which General Lincoln 
expected, Sir Henry Clinton detached Lieutenant- 
Colonel Webster, with 1400 men, by the advanced 
guard of which detachment the American cavalry, 
with the militia attached to them, were surprised in 
the night of the 14th of April, and completely 
routed and dispersed. The British now extended 
themselves to the eastward of Cooper River; and 
about this time Sir Henry Clinton received a re- 
inforcement of 3000 men from New York. The 
garrison having no reasonable hope of effecting a re- 
treat, an offer was made of surrendering the town ; 



108 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

but the proposed conditions were rejected by the 
British commanders. The besiegers in the mean time 
were daily advancing their works, and had now com- 
pleted their third parallel. The garrison of Fort 
Moultrie surrendered; and the broken remains of 
the American cavalry under Colonel White were 
again surprised by Colonel Tarleton, and the whole 
either killed, taken, or dispersed. Sir Henry Clin- 
ton, thus successful in every operation, renewed his 
former offers to the garrison in case of their sur- 
render ; but, the terms so far as they respected the 
citizens not being satisfactory, hostilities recom- 
menced. The batteries of the third parallel now 
opened on the town, and did great execution. 
Several houses were burned, numbers of the besieged 
were killed at their guns, and the British prepared 
to make a general assault by land and water. At 
length a great number of citizens of Charleston ad- 
dressed General Lincoln in a petition, requesting his 
acceptance of the terms which had been previously 
offered. A capitulation was consequently signed on 
the 12th of May, and the next day Major-General 
Leslie took possession of the town. 

The capital .having surrendered, measures were 
adopted to overawe the inhabitants of the country 
and induce them to return to their allegiance to the 
king. Garrisons were placed in different parts of the 
state ; and 2000 men were despatched towards North 
Carolina, to repel several parties of militia who 
were hastening to the relief of Charleston. 



BATTLE OF WAXHAWS. 



109 








BATTLE OF WAXHAAYS. 

The fiill of Charleston was a matter of much exul- 
tation to the British, and spread a deep gloom over 
the aspect of American affairs. The whole Southern 
army was lost, which, although small, could not soon 
be replaced. The number of tories had always been 
considerable in the South ; and, though they had 
been previously deterred from entering the field by 
the superior force of their opponents, yet the recent 
British successes roused all their lurking partialities, 
decided the wavering, and encouraged the timid. 

Clinton was well aware of the advantage he had 
gained, and immediately adopted measures to over- 
awe the inhabitants and induce them to return to 
their former allegiance, by the rapidity of his move- 
ments and the sudden appearance of his troops in 
different parts of the country. For this purpose he 
despatched a body of 2000 men towards North Caro- 



no 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



lina, to repel the small parties of militia who were 
hastening to the relief of Charleston. Tarleton, 
with 700 horse and foot, by marching one hundred 
and five miles in fifty-four hours, met and defeated 
Colonel Buford, at the Waxhaws. Buford was ad- 
vancing towards Charleston at the head of a body 
of 400 Continental infantry and a few horsemen. 
Tarleton easily defeated them by his superior forces, 
and the Americans were compelled to throw down 
their arms and implore quarter ; but, by Tarleton's 
orders, the work of butchery was continued and 
nearly all of the regiment were killed, or so badly 
wounded that they could not be removed from the 
field. This sanguinary proceeding spread dismay 
and indignation throughout the State, and the re- 
membrance of " Tarleton's quarters" imparted a 
similar character to future conflicts. 




TARLETON'S QDARTEE. 



BATTLE OF CAMDEN. 



Ill 




GENERA I. GATES. 



BATTLE OF CAMDEN. 

In the hope of relieving Charleston, Congress had 
ordered the Maryland and Delaware troops to march 
to South Carolina ; but they were delaj-ed so much 
that they did not reach the Head of Elk until 
April 16, when they marched directly towards 
South Carolina. The Baron De Kalb commanded 
this detachment ; but, as he was a foreigner, unac- 
quainted with the country and not accustomed to 
undisciplined troops. Congress thought it advisable 
to give the command of the Southern army to 
General Gates. It was hoped that his fame and his 



112 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

presence as commander of the Southern army 
would animate the friends of independence. 

A council of war had advised De Kalb to file off 
from the direct road to Camden, through the well- 
cultivated settlements in the district of the Wax- 
haws; but when, on the 27th of July, Gates joined 
the army and took the command, he determined to 
go by the shortest road to the British encampments. 
This route led through a country of pine-barrens, 
sand-hills, and swamps, infested by a host of fugitive 
tories, whose poverty afforded no subsistence to the 
army and whose politics prevented any secret en- 
terprises. Soon after they began their march, they 
were joined by Colonel Porterfield, with 100 
Virginia militia. The array soon felt the want 
of provisions ; and fatigue, fasting, and disappoint- 
ments as to supplies, exasperated them to a high 
degree. Starvation became a cant term among both 
officers and soldiers ; and the whole army subsisted 
on a few lean cattle found in the woods, and green 
corn and peaches, which unwholesome diet naturally 
produced dysenteries. 

The army at length reached Clermont, thirteen 
miles from Camden, on the loth of August. On 
the next day General Stephens joined them with' a 
large body of the Virginia militia, making the whole 
number of the army 3663, of which 900 were regu- 
lars and 70 cavalry. Cornwallis had now joined his 
army, which was concentrated at Camden. It had 
been somewhat reduced by sickness, and the whole 
number at Camden amounted to no more than 2000 
men. 

Gates had issued a proclamation on entering the 



BATTLE OF CAMDEN. 113 

State, inviting the patriotic citizens to join in at- 
tempting to rescue their State from its conquerors. 
Although this proclamation brought many into the 
field, the number did not equal Gates's expecta- 
tions. The whole country, however, appeared to be 
rising, and Cornwallis found that he must either re- 
treat to Charleston or risk a battle. He chose the 
latter; and, as his position in Camden was unfavor- 
able for repelling an attack, he moved out on the 
night of the loth, intending to assault the Ame- 
rican camp at Clermont. Gates had sent his sick, 
wounded, and baggage, to the Waxhaws, and was 
advancing to a more eligible situation about eight 
miles from Camden. The advance of both armies 
met in the night, and an engagement ensued. Some 
of Armand's cavalry, who led the American van, 
being wounded, fell back on others, who suddenly 
recoiled; by which movement the first Maryland 
resriment was broken and the whole line of the 
army thrown into confusion. This first impression 
struck deep, and dispirited the militia; but the 
Americans soon recovered their order, and both 
armies retained their positions during the night. 

In the morning a severe and general engagement 
took place. At the first onset General Stevens led 
forward his men within fifty paces of the enemy, 
who were also advancing, under Lieutenant-Colonel 
Webster. Stevens then cried out, " Now, my brave 
fellows, we have bayonets as well as they : we 
will charge them !" Cornwallis, who had mistaken 
Stevens's movement for a change of position, gave 
orders to Webster to begin the attack, and the 
British advanced with a loud shout. The courage 

8 



114 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



of the Virginia militia failed, and they immediately 
threw down their arms and fled with precipitation, 
communicating their panic to the greater part of 
the North Carolina militia. The Continentals, who 
formed the right wing of the army, stood their 
ground, and, notwithstanding the inequality of num- 
bers, behaved with great resolution. For some time 




BATTLE OP CAMDEN, AND DEATH OF BARON DE KALB. 

they had the advantage of the enemy, and were 
in possession of a number of prisoners ; but, owing 
to their want of cavalry and to the cowardly deser- 
tion of the militia, they were surrounded and over- 
powered by numbers. Tarleton charged them as 
they broke, and pursued them as far as Hanging 
Rock, twenty-two miles from the scene of action. 



BATTLE OF CAMDEN. 115 

Two hundred and ninety American prisoners were 
carried into Camden, of which number 206 were 
Continentals, 82 North Carolina militia, and two 
Virginians. The Americans lost the whole of their 
artillery, eight field-pieces, and nearly all their bag- 
gage. Their loss in killed and wounded in the 
battle could not well be ascertained. That of the 
British was stated at 69 killed, 245 wounded, and 
11 missing. 

The Baron De Kalb, while making a vigorous 
charge at the head of the regiment of inflintry, fell 
under eleven wounds. His aide-de-camp, Lieutenant- 
Colonel Du Buysson, received him in his arms, and 
endeavored to save him from the fury of the foe by 
announcing his name and nation. He was wounded 
wdiile attempting to shield his friend ; but a British 
officer, coming up, ordered every attention to be paid 
to the unfortunate De Kalb. He was a German by 
birth, and had formerly been long in the French 
service. He was second in command in this action, 
and gave new proofs of his bravery and experience. 
When he made his last charge, he was still ignorant 
of the flight of the left wing and centre, as the 
fogginess of the morning prevented him from seeing 
what was passing ; and, when wounded and taken, 
he would scarcely believe that Gates was defeated. 
He expired in a few hours, spending his last breath 
in dictating a letter expressing the warmest afiection 
for the officers and men of his division and the most 
exalted admiration of their courage and good conduct. 



116 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




COLONEL SHELBY. 



BATTLE OF KING'S MOUNTAIN. 

A SPIRIT of enterprise beginning to revive among 
the American militia about this time, (Oct. 7, 1780,) 
prompted Colonel Clark to make an attempt on the 
British post at Augusta, in Georgia ; but in this he 
failed, and was obliged to retreat. Major Ferguson, 
with the hope of intercepting his party, kept near 
the mountains, and at a considerable distance from 
support. These circumstances, together with the 



BATTLE OF KING'S MOUNTAIN. 117 

depredations of the loyalists, induced those hardy 
republicans who reside on the west side of the Alle- 
ghany Mountains to form an enterprise for reducing 
that distinguished partisan. This was done of their 
own motion, without any direction from the govern- 
ment of America or from the officers of the Con- 
tinental army. 

There was, without any apparent design, a power- 
ful combination of several detached commanders of 
the adjacent States, with their respective commands 
of militia. Colonel Campbell, of Virginia, Colonels 
Cleveland, Shelby, Sevier, and McDowel, of North 
Carolina, together with Colonels Lacey, Hawthorn, 
and Hill, of South Carolina, all rendezvoused to- 
gether, with a number of men amounting to 1600 ; 
though they were under no general command, and 
though they were not called upon to embody by any 
common authority, or indeed by any authority at 
all, but that of a general impulse of their own minds. 
They had so little of the mechanism of a regular 
army, that the colonels, by common consent, com- 
manded each day alternately. The hardships these 
volunteers underwent were very great. Some of 
them subsisted, for weeks together, without tasting 
bread or salt or spirituous liquors, and slept in 
the woods without blankets. The running stream 
quenched their thirst. At night the earth afforded 
them a bed, and the heavens, or, at most, the limbs 
of trees, were their only covering. Ears of corn or 
pumpkins thrown into the fire, with occasional sup- 
plies of beef or venison, killed and roasted in the 
woods, were the chief articles of their provisions. 
They had neither commissaries, quarter-masters, nor 



118 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

stores of any kind. They selected about 1000 of 
their best men and mounted them on their fleetest 
horses. These attacked Major Ferguson (7th Octo- 
ber) on the top of King's Mountain, near the con- 
fines of North and South Carolina. The Americans 
formed three parties. Colonel Lacey, of South Caro- 
lina, led one, which attacked on the west. The two 
others were commanded by Colonels Campbell and 
Cleveland, — one of which attacked on the east, and 
the other in the centre. 

On this occasion, Colonel Cleveland addressed his 
party in the following plain, unvarnished language : — 
''My brave fellows! — We have beat the tories, and 
we can beat them. They are all cowards. If they 
had the spirit of men, they would join with their 
fellow-citizens in supporting the independence of 
their country. When engaged, you are not to wait 
for the word of command from me. I will show 
you by my example how to fight. I can undertake 
no more. Every man must consider himself as an 
officer, and act from his own judgment. Fire as 
quick as you can, and stand as long as you can. 
When you can do no better, get behind trees, or 
retreat ; but I beg of you not to run quite off. If 
we be repulsed, let us make a point to return and 
renew the fight. Perhaps we may have better luck 
in the second attempt than in the first. If any 
of you be afraid, such have leave to retire ; and 
they are requested immediately to take them- 
selves off." 

Ferguson, with great boldness, attacked the assail- 
ants with fixed bayonets, and compelled them suc- 
cessively to retire ; but they only fell back a little 



120 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

way, and, getting behind trees and rocks, renewed 
their fire in almost ever}^ direction. The British, 
being uncovered, were aimed at by the American 
marksmen, and many of them were slain. An un- 
usual number of the killed were found shot in the 
head. Eiflemen took off riflemen with such exact- 
ness that they killed each other when taking sight, 
so effectually that their eyes remained, after they 
were dead, one shut and the other open, in the 
usual manner of marksmen when levelling at their 
object. Major Ferguson displayed as much bravery 
as was possible in his situation; but his encamp- 
ment on the top of the mountain was not well 
chosen, as it gave the Americans an opportunity 
of covering themselves in their approaches. Had 
he pursued his march, on charging and driving the 
first part of the militia which gave way, he might 
have got off with the most of his men ; but his un- 
conquerable spirit disdained either to flee or to sur- 
render. After a severe conflict, he received a mortal 
wound. No chance of escape being left, and all 
prospect of successful resistance being at an end, 
the contest was ended by the submission of the 
survivors. Upwards of 800 became prisoners, and 
225 were killed and wounded. Very few of the 
assailants fell ; but in their number was Colonel 
Williams, a distinguished militia officer in Ninety- 
Six district, who had been very active in opposing 
the re-establishment of British government. Ten of 
the royal militia who had surrendered were hanged 
by their conquerors, in retaliation for similar acts 
of the tories. 



BATTLE OF THE COWPENS. 



121 




GENERAL PICKENi 



BATTLE OF THE COWPENS. 

Iisr January, 1781, Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton 
was sent by Cornwallis in pursuit of General Mor- 
gan, who desired rather to avoid an engagement for 
the moment, but at last determined to await his 
approach and give him battle. On the morning of the 
17th he was apprised of the proximity of Tarleton, 
and made preparations to receive him. Morgan 
was posted at the Cowpens, near the boundary-line 
of the Carolinas. He threw out an advanced guard 
under Colonel Cunningham and Major McDowell, 



122 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

who were directed, upon the approach of the enemy, 
to skirmish, and fall back upon the first line, which 
was formed of militia under command of Gene- 
ral Pickens. The second line, stationed at a distance 
of two hundred yards in the rear of the first, con- 
sisted of the Continentals and Captains Triplet's and 
Taite's companies of Virginia militia, together with 
Captain Beattie's Georgians, the whole under Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Howard. The cavalry, under Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Washington, formed the reserve. 

Previous to the engagement, Morgan addressed his 
men, and, in order that no confusion might be oc- 
casioned by the breaking of the militia should they 
be overcome by the superior force and discipline of 
the enemy, he directed their officers, in case they 
were compelled to retire, inmiediately to form upon 
the flank of the second line. Tarleton's advanced 
guard consisted of a legion of infantry, together with 
three companies of light infantry; the centre of the 
first battalion of the 71st, the entire 7th regiment, 
and the field-pieces; and the rear of inflmtry and 
cavalry. After passing Thickell Creek, he ordered 
a portion of his cavalry to the advance, when, com- 
ing up with the American light troops, the latter 
skirmished and gave way. 

Tarleton formed his line of battle of three bodies 
of infantry, separated by the field-pieces, — each flank 
supported by cavalry. One hundred and fifty yards 
in the rear of the left flank was jDlaced the reserve 
of one battalion of infantry and 200 dragoons. 
His force advanced until they came up with Pickens's 
line, which delivered its fire with deadly effect when 
they were within fifty yards. This held them in 



BATTLE OF THE COWPENS. 



123 



check for a short time ; but they began again to ad- 
vance, and forced the militia to give way. The 
latter, however, were rallied, and formed on the right 
and left of Howard's position. The enemy still con- 
tinued to push up, and were received in a most gal- 
lant manner by Howard, who stood perfectly firm, 




BATTLE OF THE COW PEN 8. 



and a terrible contest ensued. Tarleton was here 
obliged to bring up his reserve, the presence of 
which gave new spirits to his troops. 

Howard, in giving an order for the protection of 
his right flank, was misunderstood ; and confusion 
was thus caused, when the line commenced breaking. 
Washington, on the left, after the giving way of the 
first line, gallantly charged the enemy's cavalry, wdio 
were coming down upon them, and was of the great- 



124 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

est assistance in protecting Pickens while his com- 
mand was rallied. As Howard's line was falling 
back, that officer received a message from Washing- 
ton, desiring him to fire and he would at the same 
moment charge. Morgan now gave the word of 
command, when the troops faced about, fired, 
charged, and the enemy was overcome in front. 
Washington w^as still engaged on the left with the 
artillery and a portion of the cavalry opposed to him. 
Howard's right was now menaced by the 71st, and 
a portion of the cavalry advanced to the support of 
that regiment. Morgan sent one company to the 
support of Washington, and ordered the right bat- 
talion to fall upon the 71st, while three companies 
held secure the prisoners who had already been 
taken. 

These dispositions had the desired effect, and, after 
severe fighting, the entire British army was over- 
come, and Tarleton left the field, carrying with him 
a few dragoons, and was for some distance pursued 
by Washington. Towards the close of the engage- 
ment, Washington, while charging, wellnigh lost 
his life. Being far in advance of his command, and 
before he was aware of his dangerous position, he 
was surrounded by a number of the enemy, and, but 
for the timely intervention of some of his men, 
must have been killed. The loss of the British in 
this battle may be stated as follows : — killed, 60 ; 
wounded, 124; prisoners, 600: besides which, there 
fell into the hands of Morgan one hundred dragoon- 
horses, two four-pounder field-pieces, eight hundred 
muskets, thirty-five baggage-wagons, and two stand 
of colors. On the other hand, our army lost 11 





10 



BATTLE OF THE COWPENS. 125 

killed and 61 wounded. Thus, in fifty minutes, did 
800 soldiers, many of them raw, overcome 1000 
thoroughly-disciplined British troops, permitting but 
a handful to escape. 

It may be readily supposed that so complete a vic- 
tory had a great effect on the spirits of the army. 
Congress passed resolutions highly complimentary to 
the ofiicers engaged, and voted medals to Morgan, 
Howard, and Washington, with swords to Pickens 
and Triplet. General Washington issued an '*' order" 
to the army in which he accorded great praise to the 
victors. 



126 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




COLONEL LEE. 



BATTLE OF GUILFORD COURT-HOUSE. 

Almost immediately after the battle of the Cow- 
pens, General Morgan effected a junction with Gene- 
ral Greene, then in command of the Southern De- 
partment, and who deemed it necessary for the time 
to avoid an action with Cornwallis. Requiring a 
corps of light troops to act as a covering-party during 
his retreat and to hang about and harass the enemy 
in his movements. General Greene selected for 
this purpose the troops under Lieutenant-Colonels 
Howard, Washington, and Lee, and the command 
of this body was given to Colonel 0. H. Williams, 
of Maryland. 

Its duties, which were of the most arduous nature, 
were performed in a gallant manner; and on the 
15th of February the army had posted itself upon 



BATTLE OF GUILFORD COURT-HOUSE. 127 

the opposite side of the river Dan. Here General 
Greene remained until he received reinforcements 
and completed his arrangements, when he recrossed 
the Dan and took up the line of march for Guilford 
Court-House, South Carolina, where he arrived on 
the loth of March. 

The enemy being now close at hand, Lieutenant- 
Colonel Lee was thrown forward to feel his move- 
ments, when he engaged a detachment and secured 
a few prisoners; but upon advancing farther he 
found them in too great numbers, and was obliged 
to retire. 

Greene made disjDOsition of his troops in the fol- 
lowing order. The first line was composed of North 
Carolina mihtia, the right under General Eaton and 
the left under General Butler, with two pieces of 
artillery under Captain Singleton. The right flanii 
was sujDported by Kirkwood's Delawareans, Lynch's 
riflemen, and the cavalry, all under Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel Washington ; the left, in like manner, by Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Campbell's riflemen and the infantry 
of the legion, all under Lieutenant-Colonel Lee. 
The second line, which was formed three hundred 
3\ards in the rear of the first, consisted of two brigades 
of Virginia militia, the right under General Lawson 
and the left under General Stevens. The third, 
four hundred yards in reserve, was formed upon the 
brow of the hill near the court-house. The right 
of this line was composed of Hawes's and Green's 
Virginia regiments, under General linger, — the left 
of the 1st and 2d Maryland regiments, the former 
under Gunby, the latter under Ford; — the whole 
commanded by Colonel Williams. In the centre 



128 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

of the last line was placed the remainder of the 
artillery. 

Captain Singleton commenced his fire, which was 
returned by the enemy, who had formed their line 
of battle, — the right wing under General Leslie and 
the left under Lieutenant-Colonel Webster, with the 
artillery in the centre under Lieutenant McLeod. 
The first battalion of the guards, under Lieutenant- 
Colonel Norton, served as a support for the right; and 
the second, with one company of grenadiers, under 
General O'Hara, for the left wing. Tarleton's dra- 
goons were held in reserve. The British commander, 
having made all his dispositions, advanced, fired one 
round, and charged bayonets. Our militia, having 
given a few shots while the enemy was at a distance, 
were seized by a panic when they saw him coming 
down upon them. Many of them threw away their 
muskets; and the entreaties of Butler, Eaton, and 
Davie, with the threats of Lee, were of no avail. 
Almost the entire body fled. The artillery now 
retired to the left of the Marylanders. At this 
crisis the enemy considered victory as already 
within his grasp, and continued to push on, when he 
was attacked on his right and left by Lee and Wash- 
ington. Cornwallis, perceiving this, threw one regi- 
ment out to engage Lee, and one regiment, together 
with his light infantry and yagers, to resist Washing- 
ton, filling up the breach thus created by advancing 
the grenadiers with two battalions of tlie guards, 
which had formed the supports to the flanks. Lee and 
Washington fell back in good order, delivering their 
fire until they came up with the second line, which 
gave battle in good earnest. The right flank was 



BATTLE OF GUILFORD COURT-HOUSE. 129 

supported by Washington, who ordered Lynch's 
riflemen to fiiU upon the left of Webster, who had to 
be supported by O'Hara. Here Webster ordered the 
33d regiment to attack Lynch, and was thereby in 
a measure relieved. O'Hara charged the Virginia 
right wing, which was obliged to yield ground. 

Lee, on the left, nobly did his duty, and firmly held 
his position. When the militia on the right gave 
way, those on the left fell back, and were not rallied 
until they came up on the left of the third line. 
Campbell's riflemen and Lee's legion stood perfectly 
firm, and continued the contest against one regiment, 
one battalion, and a body of infantry and riflemen. 
The American reserve, with the artillery, posted in a 
most favorable position, was fresh and ready for the 
word of command. Webster, having overcome the 
Americans of the second line in his front, advanced 
upon the third, and was received by Gunby's Marjdand 
regiment with a most galling fire, which made his 
troops falter. Gunby advanced, charging bayonets, 
when the enemy was completely routed. 

Leslie, after the left of the Virginia militia gave 
wa}^, advanced to the support of O'Hara, who had 
forced the American right wing ; and the combined 
commands of these generals charged the 2d Maryland 
regiment of the third line. This regiment, panic- 
stricken, fled. Gunby, coming up at the time, Iield 
the enemy in check, and a deadly conflict ensued. 
Gunby having his horse shot under him, Lieutei.ant- 
Colonel Howard assumed the command. Washing- 
ton, seeing how hot was the battle at this point, 
pushed forward and charged the enemy; and, 

9 



130 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

Howard advancing with his bayonets levelled, the 
British were completely routed. 

The pursuit was continued for some distance, 
when Cornwallis came up and determined to gain 
the victory at any cost. He opened the fire of his 
artillery alike on friend and foe, causing an indis- 
criminate slaughter of British and Americans. 

The British were rallied at all points ; and Greene, 
considering it better to preserve the advantages he 
had gained, withdrew his forces. This was done in 
good order, and Cornwallis continued the pursuit 
but a short distance. The loss of the Americans 
was about 400 in killed and wounded; that of the 
British, about 800. The enemy retained the field, 
but his victory was both empty and disastrous. 

In our own day the same measures as those taken 
by Cornwalhs for the recovery of the lost field of 
Guilford have been pursued by the Russians in the 
defence of Sebastopol. The following extract from a 
description of the battle of Balaklava, October 25, 
1854, will illustrate our remark : — " When there 
took place an act of atrocity, without parallel in the 

modern warfare of civilized nations They [the 

Russians] saw their own cavalry mingled with the 
troopers who had just ridden over them; and, to the 
eternal disgrace of the Russian name, the miscreants 
poured a murderous volley of grape and canister on 
the mass of struggling men and horses, mingling 
friend and foe in one common ruin."* 

* ''The War, from the Landing at Gallipoli to the Death of 
Lord Raglan.'^ By W. H. Russell, London, 1855. (P. 232.) 



BATTLE OF IIOBKIRK S HILL. 



131 




GENERAL GREENE. 



BATTLE OF HOBKIRK'S HILL. 

On the morning of the 25th of April, 1781, Gene- 
ral Greene, being then in the neighborhood of Cam- 
den, South Carolina, received information that the 
British of the command of Lord Rawdon were ad- 
vancino;. His line of battle was soon formed on 
Hobkirk's Hill, in the following manner. The right, 
under General Huger, was composed of Hawes's and 
Campbell's Virginians ; the left, under Colonel Wil- 
liams, consisted of Gunby's and Ford's Marylanders, 
with two pieces of artillery, under Colonel Harrison, 
in the centre. The reserve was formed of 250 North 



132 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

Carolina militia, under Colonel Eeid, together with 
Lieutenant-Colonel Washington's cavalry. Kirk- 
wood's gallant Delawareans, who had been stationed 
in front, together with Captain Smith's company, 
skirmished with the enemy for some time, and then 
fell back in good order as they approached. Raw- 
don advanced in one narrow line, formed in the fol- 
lowing manner. On the right was placed the 63d 
regiment, in the centre a body of volunteers, and 
on the left a corps called the King's American regi- 
ment. The Irish volunteers supported the right 
and Colonel Robinson the left flank. The British 
line was scarcely more than one-half the width of 
the American, and at once General Greene made 
dispositions to outflank it. For this purpose he 
ordered Campbell to advance on the right, while 
Ford made a similar movement on the left, Hawes 
and Gunby to charge bayonets in the centre, and 
Washington to fall upon the rear. All seemed to 
promise well ; when Ford, gallantly pushing forward, 
received a mortal wound, by which some disorder 
was created ; but on they pressed. Bat, almost im- 
mediately after, Gunby's regiment recoiled and fell 
back; whereby Ford's men were unsupported, and 
gave way in like manner. Campbell's regiment, 
engaged on the right, stood firm for some time, and 
at last began to falter, — was rallied, but again re- 
treated. Hawes's Virginia regiment was now the 
only one to stand ; and this body Greene headed in 
person. But all his efforts to regain the battle were 
useless : the enemy passed on, and nothing could hold 
him in check. 

During all of this time Washington had been 



BATTLE OF HOBKIRK'S HILL. 133 

actively emplo3'ed. After" receiving orders to ad- 
vance, he charged and turned the enemy's left 
flank, and then pushed on, that he might fall upon 
his rear. He had now secured many prisoners, 
when he found that the main body of the army 
was in confusion, and, coming up in time, he saved 
the artillery by charging the enemy, who were just 
about capturing it, and brought it off' the field. He 
also served as a protection to the retreating army 
while Greene drew off his forces. The Americans 
were halted at a distance of two miles from the 
field of battle, where Washington retraced his steps 
in order to gain information relative to the position 
of the enemy. He succeeded in drawing Major 
Coffin, the commander of the British cavalry, into 
ambush, and, charging upon his squadron, it fled 
before him, losing very heavily in killed, wounded, 
and prisoners. The day following, the American 
general fell back to Rigley's Mills, — five miles. 

General Greene's loss in the battle of Hobkirk's 
Hill amounted to 268, and that of the enemy to 
258. Lord Rawdon, finding that his position had 
become somewhat critical by the commands of 
Marion and Sumter being comparatively disen- 
gaged, from the fact of the garrisons of Orangeburg, 
Fort Motte, and Fort Watson, having given way, 
determined to evacuate Camden, which he did on 
the 10th day of May, after destroying a considerable 
amount of baggage and setting fire to many of the 
buildings of the town. 



134 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




BATTLE OF EUTAW SPRINGS. 



BATTLE OF EUTAW SPRINGS. 

At an early hour in the morning of the 8th of 
September, 1781, General Greene advanced upon 
Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart, who was posted in a 
strong position on the left bank of Eutaw Creek, 
near the springs of that name, in South Carolina, 
with a British force amounting to 2300 men. Pre- 
paratory to moving, Greene drew up his men in two 
lines, in the following manner: — The first was formed 
of North Carolina militia, under Colonel Malmedy, 
in the centre, with the 4th Carolina militia on the 
right and left. Of this line the right was com- 
manded by General Marion and the left by General 
Pickens. The second was composed of Continentals ; 
the Virginia line, under Colonel Campbell, in the 
centre, with that of North Carolina, under Lieuten- 



I'l;,h 




// 



BATTLE OF EQTATT SPRINGS. 135 

<int-Colonel Ashe, on the right, and of Maryland, 
under Lieutenant-Colonel Howard and Major Hard- 
man, on the left. General Sumner was placed in 
command of the right wing, and Colonel Williams of 
tlie left. With each of these were placed two field- 
pieces, — those of the first under Captain-Lieutenant 
Gaines, and those of the second under Captain 
Browne. Lieutenant-Colonel Washington's cavalry 
and Kirkwood's Delawareans were held in reserve. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Lee, who was detailed for the 
support of the right flank, and Colonel Henderson, 
for a similar duty on the left, constituted, at the same 
time, the van. By eight o'clock this advance came 
up with Major Coffin's cavalry, which, after a spirited 
engagement, was repulsed with a severe loss. 

Upon Stewart's seeing the first intimation of the 
approach of the Americans, he formed his army in 
one line, as follows. On the right was placed the 
3d regiment; the centre was held by Lieutenant- 
Colonel Crnger, with a miscellaneous command; and 
the left was composed of the 63d and 64th regi- 
ments. The right wing was supported by Major 
Majoribanks's light infantry, while Major Coffin, with 
his dragoons, supported the left. At intervals in 
the line were placed the pieces of artillery. The 
reserve of infantry was posted at the rear of the left 
flank. Lee, upon coming up with the main bodj^ of 
the enemy, who were provided with artillery, sent 
to Greene for support, when Colonel Williams ar- 
rived, with Gaines's field-pieces, and the British van 
soon gave way. The American line came on, and 
Lee and Henderson took their proper positions, — the 
former as a support to the right and the latter to 



136 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

the left flank. The battle now became general. The 
63d regiment was opposed by the infantry of the 
legion on the right, and Majoribanks's light infantry 
was handvsomely engaged by Henderson on the left. 
Our militia in the centre held up admirably against 
the combined attacks of a portion of Cruger's com- 
mand, together with the entire 64th, — in all, twice 
their number. It was not until they had fired seven- 
teen rounds that they retired from the battle, having 
covered themselves with glory. The invincible spirit 
shown by these men was in a measure owing to 
the confidence in their leaders, Marion and Pickens. 
It has already been seen how the militia were ral- 
lied by General Pickens a few months before, at 
the battle of the Cowpens. That was the first in- 
stance on record during the war of this description 
of force being brought to bear after having once 
given way. Sumner, with a portion of the Conti- 
nentals, was immediately ordered up to take the 
place of the militia between Lee and Henderson, 
who had continued to hold their positions on the 
right and left. Colonel Stewart, upon seeing the 
advance of Sumner, at once ordered his reserve to 
take post on the left of the position. Henderson 
was now exposed to a most galling fire ; but his troops 
stood it manfully. Here Henderson was himself 
wounded, which circumstance created some confu- 
sion in the ranks; but Colonel Wade Hampton, as- 
suming command, restored confidence. Sumner 
maintained his ground for some time, nobly fight- 
ing; but, the enemy having reinforced their line by 
calling up their reserve, he was obliged to give way 
before them, when they came on pellmell. Greene 



BATTLE OF EUTAW SPRINGS. 137 

instantly ordered up the Marylanders, under Wil- 
liams, and the Virginians, under Campbell, to charge 
upon this mass of confusion ; Lee at the same time 
directed Major Rudolph to turn the enemy's left 
flank, which order was handsomely and promptly 
executed, and the different regiments of the British 
in front fell back before the bayonets of Virginia 
and Maryland. There was one alone that stood 
firm and undismayed. This was the 3d. But resist- 
ance was vain : it began to falter and then to retreat. 
A vigorous pursuit was now kept up on the part of 
the conquering Americans. 

By making a charge upon the right, as these 
movements were going forward, Washington had 
materially contributed to this happy result; but 
Majoribanks had continued to hold his strong posi- 
tion, when Washington was directed, with the aid 
of Hampton and Kirkwood, to dislodge him. The 
thicket of hlach-jach through which it was necessary 
to pass before reaching Majoribanks, in the direction 
Washington was now taking, was found entirely im- 
penetrable. Majoribanks lay with his right almost 
resting upon the creek ; and Washington, finding an 
open space between the enemy's flank and the 
stream, gave the order, " by sections wheel to the 
left," that he might get into position to pass through 
this space and come at his enemy. This necessarily 
placed his officers between their own troops and 
those of the British ; and Majoribanks now poured 
in a terrible fire, which mowed down both officers 
and men. Washington was at this instant unhorsed, 
and, while disengaging himself, was taken prisoner. 
Hampton headed the cavalry, and attempted to 



II 



138 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

charge, but was repulsed, although the Delawareans 
stood firm. 

Notwithstanding his success, it was necessary for 
Majoribanks to fall back with the line of the army, 
a portion of whom had taken up their position in a 
brick house in the rear. Greene now attempted to 
dislodge these soldiers; but it was found impossible, 
with his light field-pieces, to make an impression 
upon the walls. 

The American ranks at this point became dis- 
ordered by many of the soldiers entering the enemy's 
camp and seizing upon whatever they could find to 
eat or drink. Major Coffin charged them, but was 
repulsed by Hampton, who in turn was obliged to 
yield to Majoribanks. 

Greene now determined upon withdrawing his 
forces to the nearest point where water was to be 
had, and set to work making arrangements for a 
renewal of the attack in the course of a day or two. 
The American loss, in killed, wounded, and missing, 
was 550, and that of the enemy IIUO, including 500 
prisoners in the hands of General Greene. 

On the following night the enemy retreated, after 
destroying a very considerable portion of their stores 
and leaving their wounded on the field. In that re- 
treat they were harassed by Marion and Lee, who 
took a number of prisoners. 



SIEGE OF YORKTOWN. 



139 




LORD CORNWALLIS 



SIEGE OF YORKTOWN. 

The result of the masterly operations of General 
Greene, aided by the partisan warfiire of Marion, 
Sumter, and Pickens, in the South, was to drive 
Cornwallis into Virginia; and his whole force was 
concentrated at Yorktown, where, with the design 
of establishing a strong place of arms, he was 
engaged in erecting fortifications tenable against any 
force which was likely to be brought against them. 

His situation there, the arrival of a reinforcement 
of 3000 Germans from Europe at New York, the 
superior strength of that garrison, the failure of the 
States in filling up their battalions and embodying 
their militia, and especially recent intelligence from 



140 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

Count De Grasse that his destination was fixed for 
the Chesapeake, concurred, about the middle of August, 
to make a total change in the plan of the campaign. 

The appearance of an intention to attack New- 
York was nevertheless kept up. While this decep- 
tion M\as played off, the allied army crossed the 
North River, August 24, and passed on, by the 
way of Philadelphia, through the intermediate coun- 
try, to Yorktown. An attempt to reduce the Bri- 
tish force in Virginia promised success with more 
expedition, and to secure an object of nearly equal 
importance to the reduction of New York. 

While the attack of New York was in serious con- 
templation, a letter from General Washington, de- 
tailing the particulars of the intended operations of 
the campaign, being intercepted, fell into the hands 
of Sir Henry Clinton. After the plan was changed, 
the royal commander was so much influenced by the 
intelligence contained in the intercepted letter that 
he believed every movement towards Virginia to be 
a feint calculated to draw off his attention from the 
defence of New York. Under the influence of this 
opinion, he bent his whole force to strengthen that 
post, and suffered the French and American armies 
to pass him without any molestation. When the 
best opportunity of striking at them had elapsed, 
then, for the first time, he was brought to believe 
that the allies had fixed on Virginia for the theatre 
of their combined operations. As truth may be 
made to answer the purposes of deception, so no 
feint of attacking New York could have been more 
successful than the real intention. 

In the latter end of August, 1781, the American 



SIEGE OF YORKTOWN. 



141 



army began their march to Virginia from the neigh- 
borhood of New York. Washington had advanced 
as far as Chester before he received information of 
the arrival of De Grasse. The French troops marched 
at the same time and for the same phice. In the 
course of this summer they passed through all the 
extensive settlements which lie between Newport 




^ I R H i: X K Y C L I X T X. 



and Yorktown. It seldom, if ever, happened be- 
fore, that an army led through a foreign country 
at so great a distance from their own, among a 
people of different principles, customs, language, and 
religion, behaved with so much regularity. In their 
march to Yorktown they had to pass through five 
hundred miles of a country abounding in fruit, and 
at a time when the most delicious productions of 



142 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

nature, growing on and near the public highways, 
i^resented both opportunity and temptation to gratify 
their appetites. Yet, so complete was their disci- 
pline, that, in this long march, scarce an instance 
could be produced of a peach or an apple being 
taken without the consent of the inhabitants. 
Washington and Rochambeau reached Williamsburg 
on the 14th of September. They, with Generals 
Chastellux, Du Portail, and Knox, visited Count De 
Grasse on board his ship, the Ville de Paris, and 
agreed on a plan of operations. 

The count afterwards wrote to AVashington that, 
in case a British fleet appeared, " he conceived he 
ought to go out and meet them at sea, instead of 
risking an engagement in a confined situation." 
This alarmed Washington. He sent the Marquis 
de la Fayette, with a letter, to dissuade him from 
the dangerous measure. This letter and the per- 
suasions of the marquis had the desired effect. 

The combined forces proceeded on their way to 
Yorktown, partly by land and partly down the 
Chesapeake. The whole, together with a body of 
Virginia militia under the command of General 
Nelson, amounting in the aggregate to 12,000 men, 
rendezvoused at Williamsburg on the 25th of Sep- 
tember, and, in five days afterwards, moved down 
to the investiture of Yorktown. The French fleet 
at the same time moved to the mouth of York River, 
and took a position calculated to prevent Lord 
Cornwallis either from retreating or receiving succor 
by water. Previously to the march from Williams- 
burg to Yorktown, Washington published, in general 
orders, as follows :— " If the enemy should be tempted 



SIEGE OF YORKTOWN. 143 

to meet the army on its march, the general particu- 
hirly enjoins the troops to pLace their principal re- 
liance on the bayonet, that they may prove the 
vanity of the boast which the British make of their 
peculiar prowess in deciding battles with that 
weapon." 

The combined army halted in the evening, about 
two miles from Yorktown, and lay on their arms all 
night. On the next day, Colonel Scammell, an 
officer of uncommon merit and of the most amiable 
manners, in approaching the outer works of the 
British was mortally wounded and taken prisoner. 
About this time Cornwallis received a letter from 
Sir Henry Clinton, announcing the arrival of Admiral 
Digby, with three ships-of-the-line from Europe, and 
the determination of the general and flag-officers 
in New York to embark 5000 men in a fleet, which 
would probably sail on the 5th of October; that this 
fleet consisted of twenty-three sail-of-the-line ; and 
that joint exertions of the navy and army would be 
made for his relief. On the night after the receipt 
of this intelligence, Cornwallis quitted his outward 
position and retired to one more inward. 

The works erected for the security of Yorktown 
on the right were redoubts and batteries, with a line 
of stockade in the rear. A marshy ravine lay in 
front of the right, over which was placed a large re- 
doubt. The morass extended along the centre, 
which was defended by a line of stockade and by 
batteries. On the left of the centre was a horn- 
work, with a ditch, a row of fraise, and an abatis. 
Two redoubts were advanced before the left. The 
combined forces advanced and took possession of the 



144 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

ground from which the British had retired. About 
this time the legion cavahy and mounted infantry 
p.issed over the river to Gloucester. General De 
Choisy invested the British post on that side so fully 
as to cut off all communication between it and the 
country. In the mean time the royal army was 
straining every nerve to strengthen their works; 
and their artillery was constantly emploj^ed in im- 
peding the operations of the combined army. On 
the 9th and 10th of October the French and Ame- 
ricans opened their batteries. They kept up a brisk 
and well-directed fire from heavy cannon, mortars, 
and howitzers. The shells of the besiegers reached 
the ships in the harbor. The Charon, of forty-four 
guns, and a transport-ship, were burned. On the 
10th, a messenger arrived with a despatch from Sir 
Henry Clinton to Cornwallis, dated on the oOtli of 
September, which stated various circumstances 
tending to lessen the probability of relief being 
afforded by a direct movement from New York. 

The besiegers commenced their second parallel, 
October 11, two hundred yards from the works of 
the besieged. Two redoubts advanced on the left 
of the British greatly impeded the progress of the 
combined armies. It was therefore proposed to 
carry them by storm. To excite a spirit of emula- 
tion, the reduction of the one was committed to the 
French, of the other to the Americans. The latter, 
led by Colonels Hamilton and Laurens, marched to 
the assault with unloaded muskets. Having passed 
the abatis and palisades, they attacked on all sides 
and carried the redoubt, in a few minutes, with the 
loss of 9 killed and 33 wounded. "Incapable of 



SIEGE OF YORKTOTTN. 145 

imitating examples of barbarity, and forgetting re- 
cent provocations, they spared every man who ceased 
to resist." Eight of the British were killed, 120 
captured, and a few escaped. The French were 
equally successful on their part. They carried the 
redoubt assigned to them with rapidity ; but, being 
opposed by a greater number of men, their loss 
amounted to nearly 100 men. These two redoubts 
were included in the second parallel, and facilitated 
the subsequent operations of the besiegers. 

The British could not with propriety risk repeated 
sallies. One was projected at this time, October 16, 
with 400 men, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel 
Abercrombie. He proceeded so far as to force two 
redoubts and to spike eleven pieces of cannon. 
Though the officers and soldiers displayed great 
bravery in this enterprise, yet their success pro- 
duced no essential advantage. The cannon were 
soon unspiked and rendered fit for service. 

By this time the batteries of the besiegers were 
covered with nearly a hundred pieces of heavy ord- 
nance, and the works of the besieged were so 
damaged that they could scarcely show a single 
gun. Lord Cornwallis had now no hope left but in 
offering terms of capitulation or attempting an 
escape. He determined on the latter. Boats were 
prepared to receive the troops in the night, and to 
transport them to Gloucester Point. After one 
whole embarkation had crossed, a violent storm of 
wind and rain dispersed the boats and frustrated 
the whole scheme. The royal army, thus weakened 
by division, was exposed to increased danger. 

Orders were sent to those who had passed to re- 
10 



146 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



cross the river to Yorktown. With the failure of 
this scheme the last hope of the British army ex- 
pired. Longer resistance could answer no good 
purpose, and might occasion the loss of many 
valuable lives. Lord Cornwallis, therefore, wrote a 




SURRENDER OF CORNWALLIS. 



letter to Washington, requesting a cessation of arms 
for twenty-four hours and that commissioners might 
be appointed to digest articles of capitulation. While 
Lieutenant-Colonel Laurens, the officer employed by 
Washington on this occasion, was discussing these 
articles, his father was closely confined in the Tower 
of London, of which Cornwallis was constable. By 



SIEGE OF TORKTOWN. 147 

this singular combination of circumstances, his lord- 
ship became a prisoner through the agency of the 
son of his own prisoner. 

The posts of York and Gloucester were surren- 
dered on the 19th of October by a capitulation the 
principal articles of which were as follows : — The 
troops to be prisoners of war to Congress and the 
naval force to France ; the officers to retain their side- 
arms and private property of every kind ; but all 
property, obviously belonging to inhabitants of the 
United States, to be subject to be reclaimed ; the 
soldiers to be kept in Virginia, Maryland, and Penn- 
sylvania, and to be supplied with the same rations 
as were allowed to soldiers in the service of Con- 
gress ; a projDortion of the officers to march into the 
country with the prisoners ; the rest to be allowed to 
proceed on parole to Europe, to New York, or to 
any other American maritime post in possession of 
the British. The honor of marching out with colors 
flying, which had been refused to General Lincoln 
on his giving up Charleston, was now refused to 
Cornwallis ; and General Lincoln was appointed to 
receive the. submission of the royal army at York- 
town precisely in the same way in which his own had 
been conducted about eighteen months before. Corn- 
wallis endeavored to obtain permission for the British 
and German troops to return to their respective 
countries, under no other restrictions than an en- 
gagement not to serve against France or America. 
He also tried to obtain an indemnity for those of 
the inhabitants who had joined him ; but he was 
obliged to recede from the former, and also to con- 
sent that the loyalists in his camp should be given 



148 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

up to the unconditional mercy of their countrymen. 
His lordship, nevertheless, obtained permission for 
the Bonetta sloop-of-war to pass unexamined to 
New York. This gave an opportunity of screening 
such of them as were most obnoxious to the Ame- 
ricans. 

The regular troops of France and America em- 
ployed in this siege consisted of about 7000 of the 
former and 5500 of the latter ; and they were as- 
sisted by about 4000 militia. On the part of the 
combined army about 300 were killed or wounded ; 
on the part of the British about 500 ; and 70 were 
taken in the two redoubts, which had been carried 
by assault. The troops of every kind that surren- 
dered prisoners of war exceeded 7000 men ; but so 
great was the number of sick and wounded that 
there were only 3800 capable of bearing arms. 

The French and American engineers and artillery 
merited and received the highest applause. Briga- 
diers-General Du Portail and Knox were both pro- 
moted to the rank of major-generals, on account of 
their meritorious services. Lieutenant-Colonel Gou- 
vion and Captain Rochefontaine, of the corps of en- 
gineers, respectively received brevets, — the former to 
the rank of colonel and the latter to the rank of 
major. 

Congress honored "Washington, Rochambeau, De- 
Grasse, and the officers, of the different corps and 
the men under them, with thanks for their services 
in the capture of Cornwallis. The whole project 
was conceived with profound wisdom, and the inci- 
dents of it had been combined with singular pro- 
priety. It is not, therefore, wonderful that from the 



SIEGE OF TORKTOWN. 149 

remarkable coincidence in all its parts it was crowned 
with unvaried success. 

A British fleet and an army of 7000 men, destined 
for the relief of Cornwallis, arrived off the Chesa- 
peake on the 24th of October ; but, on receiving 
advice of his lordship's surrender, they returned to 
Sandy Hook and New York. 

Such was the fate of that general from whose 
gallantry and previous successes the speedy con- 
quest of the Southern States had been so confidentl}^ 
expected. No event during the war bade fairer for 
oversetting the indej)endence of at least a part of 
the confederacy than his complete victory near Cam- 
den ; but, by the consequences of that action, his 
lordship became the occasion of rendering that a 
revolution which, from his previous success, was in 
danger of terminating as a rebellion. The loss of 
his army may be considered as the closing scene of 
the Continental war in North America. 



150 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




CAPTURE OF THE GENERAL MONK. 

The Hyder Ally, of sixteen guns, was fitted out 
by the State authorities of Pennsylvania, to repress 
the enemy's privateers, with which Delaware River 
abounded. She was commanded by Lieutenant 
Joshua Barney. 

On the 8th of April, 1782, he entered upon his 
destined service, which was to convoy a fleet of mer- 
chantmen to the capes, and protect them from the 
"refugee boats" with which the river abounded. 
While waiting at the capes, he was assailed by two 
ships and a brig belonging to the enemy, who, find- 
ing him unsupported, commenced a furious attack, 



CAPTURE OF THE GENERAL MONK. 



151 



■which he sustained with great coolness while his 
convoy were safely retiring up the river. The brig 
came up first, and gave him a broadside as she was 
passing, but kept her course up the bay after the 
convoy, while Barney waited for the ship, which 
was coming up rapidly. Having approached within 
pistol-shot, the Hyder Ally poured a broadside into 
her, which somewhat staggered the enemy, who 
thought Barney would "strike his colors." The 
enemy seemed disposed to board, and was ranging 
alongside of him, when he ordered the quarter- 
master, in a loud voice, to "port the helm!" hav- 
ing previously given him secret instructions to put 
the helm hard a-starboard, which latter order was 
obeyed. By this manoeuvre the enemy's jib-boom 
caught in the forerigging of the Hyder Ally, thus 
giving her a raking position, which Captain Barney 
knew how to improve. The firing on both sides 
was tremendous : an idea of it may be obtained from 
the fact that more than twenty broadsides were 
fired in twenty-six minutes ! In the mizzenstaysail 
of the General Monk there were afterwards counted 
three hundred and sixty-five shot-holes. During 
the whole of this short but glorious battle, Captain 
Barney was stationed upon the quarter-deck, ex- 
posed to the fire of the enemy's musketry, which 
was excessively annoying and began to be felt by 
the men, insomuch that Captain Barney ordered a 
body of riflemen whom he had on board to direct 
their fire into the enemy's top, which immediately 
had the desired efi'ect. 

The capture of the General Monk was one of the 
most brilliant achievements recorded in naval his- 



152 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE EEPUBLIC. 

tory. The General Monk mounted eighteen guns 
and had 136 men, and lost 20 men killed and 33 
wounded. The Hyder Ally had sixteen guns and 
110 men and lost 4 men killed, and 11 wounded. 

All the officers of the General Monk were wound- 
ed except one. The captain himself was severely 
wounded. The brig which accompanied the enemy 
ran ashore to avoid capture. Captain Barney now 
followed his convoy up to Philadelphia. After a 
short visit to his family, he returned to his com- 
mand, where he soon captured the "Hook-'em- 
snivy," — a refugee schooner which had done a great 
deal of mischief on the Delaware. 

These captures struck such terror among the pri- 
vateers that they began to disperse to more pro- 
fitable grounds. In consequence of these glorious 
actions, Captain Barney was presented with a gold- 
hilted sword, in the name of the State. 



CLOSE OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 




SIOSINQ OF THE TEEATT OF PARIS. 



CLOSE OF THE REVOLUTIONARY AVAR. 

Towards the close of the year 1782, the South 
Carolina— ra frigate hired, by the State whose name 
she bore, of the Duke of Luxembourg — was captured 
by a force of three large armed ships, purposely sent 
to watch her motions. This vessel, during the years 
1781 and '82, had been unusually fortunate in her 
cruises in the narrow seas and the West Indies. 
The American privateers were also very successful ; 
and the English actually fitted out privateers at the 
close of the war for the express purpose of recap- 
turing American prizes. 

The English Admiral Rodney also succeeded in 
capturing the French fleet under the Count de 
Grasse, who desperately defended his vessel, the 
Ville de Paris, until himself and two others were 



154 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

the only men left standing on the upper deck, when 
he consented to strike. This vessel had been pre- 
sented to the King of France, at the time of the 
Old French War, by the citizens of Pans, and had 
cost four millions of livres. It was the pride of the 
French navy. The English also captured thn^ty- 
six chests of money and a large train of artillery, 
which was to have been used in an attack on Ja- 
maica. All the settlements on the shores of Hud- 
son's Bay were destroyed by the French Admiral 
La Perouse, who took and destroyed property to the 
amount of five hundred thousand pounds. 

In December, 1782, soon after going into winter 
quarters, the officers of the army sent a deputation 
to Congress, with a petition and memorial upon^the 
subject of their arrearages of pay. In October, 1780, 
Congress had passed an act, granting the officers 
half-pay for life, after the close of the war ; but nine 
States had omitted to ratify this grant, and it was 
in danger of becoming a dead letter. The officers, 
many of whom had exhausted their private fortunes 
in the service of the country, petitioned that the 
half-pay for life should be changed to full pay for 
five years, and that the arrearages should be paid. 
This reasonable request was not immediately com- 
plied with by Congress, and indications were appa- 
rent, in the camp at Newburg, of an approachmg 
appeal to the fears of Congress. 

Fortunately, Washington was present; and, 
though he knew the justice of their claims, he 
was aware that duty to the country required the 
prevention of rash and disorderly measures for re- 
dress. He assembled them together, and calmly 



CLOSE OF THE REVOLUTION ARY TTAR. 155 

addressed tliem in his usual disjiassionate and sen- 
sible manner ; and they were induced to wait still 
longer for the compliance of Congress with their 
demands. "Washington then addressed a letter to 
Congress, in which he so strongly enforced the 
claims of the officers that their request was granted. 

Soon after, a letter from La Fayette announced a 
general peace; and early in April, an authentic copy 
of the declaration of the exchange of the preliminary 
articles between France and England being received, 
peace was proclaimed to the army, by the commander- 
in-chief, on the 19th of that month. 

This, the reader will recollect, was precisely eight 
years from the shedding of the first blood in the 
Revolution at Lexington. Large arrears were due 
to the army, and many apprehended that an attempt 
to disband them without pay would occasion a re- 
volt. The treasury was not only empty, but the 
Superintendent of Finances had already expended 
more than his receipts justified ; and, before he could 
issue his notes for the payment of three months' 
wages, Congress had granted unlimited furloughs to 
the officers and privates engaged for the war. Much 
distress was felt by the officers at the prospect of 
being turned penniless on the world j but Washing- 
ton succeeded in pacifying them. In October, a 
proclamation was issued by Congress, declaring that 
all soldiers who had been engaged during the war 
were to be discharged on the 3d of December. Whilst 
the old troops endeavored to submit patiently to 
the will of Congress, several of the new levies pro- 
ceeded to express, in an open and decided manner, 
their discontent. About eighty of this class, sta- 



156 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

tioned at Lancaster, marched in a body to Philadel- 
phia, and, after being joined by several others, they 
took wp their march to the State-House, where Con- 
gress and the Executive Council were assembled, and, 
having posted sentinels with fixed bayonets at the 
doors, they sent in a message, threatening vengeance 
if their requisitions were not complied with in twenty 
minutes. 

After being confined three hours, the members of 
Congress separated, to reassemble at Princeton, and 
Washington immediately sent a strong detachment 
to Philadelphia ; but the tumult had subsided before 
it reached the city. New York was soon after eva- 
cuated, and the Americans took possession of it No- 
vember 25. Washinsfton entered it on horseback, 
attended by Governor Clinton and a large procession 
of civil and military officers and citizens. On the 
4th of December he took leave of the officers at 
Francis's Tavern, after wdiich they escorted him to 
White Hall, where a barge carried him to Powles 
Hook. He proceeded to Annapolis, where Congress 
was in session, where, in public audience, he re- 
signed his commission as commander-in-chief of the 
American armies on the 23d of December, after which 
he retired to his private seat at Mount Vernon. 

Meanwhile, the different courts of Europe had ac- 
knowledged the independence of the United States, — 
Sweden and Denmark in February, Spain in March, 
and Russia in July. The final treaty of peace had 
been signed at Paris on the 3d day of September, 
1783, by David Hartley, on the part of George III., 
and by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John 
Jay, on the part of the United States. 



CLOSE OF THE REVOLUTIONARY VAR. 157 

By the first article of this treaty his Britannic 
majesty acknowledges the United States to be free, 
sovereign, and independent states, — that he treats 
with them as such, and relinquishes, for himself and 
his heirs, all claims to the government, propriety, 
and territorial rights of the same. The second 
article defines the boundaries of the States ; and the 
third secures to them the right of fishing on the 
Grand Bank and other banks of Newfoundland, and 
other places in the possession of the British, formerly 
used by the Americans for fishing-grounds. The 
fourth article secures the payment to creditors the 
debts heretofore contracted ; whilst the fifth recom- 
mends to Congress the restitution of estates formerly 
belonging to British subjects, which had been con- 
fiscated. The sixth article prohibits any future 
confiscation. The seventh provides for firm and 
perpetual peace ; the eighth secures the navigation 
of the Mississippi to both Englishmen and Ameri- 
cans. The ninth orders all conquests made after 
the treaty of peace to be restored ; the tenth pro- 
vides for the ratification of the treaty within six 
months from the signing thereof. 



158 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




WAYNE'S VICTOR T. 



GENERAL WAYNE'S VICTORY OVER THE 
INDIANS. 

During Washington's administration the Indians 
on the northwestern border were hostile. In Octo- 
ber, 1790, General Harmer, being sent against them 
with a small force, was defeated. In 1791, General 
St. Clair, with a force of 2000 men, suffered the same 
disaster. 

General St. Clair having resigned his office of 
Governor of the Northwestern Territory, he was 
succeeded by General Wayne. In August, 1794, 
he marched, at the head of 3000 men, to attack the 
Indians on the Miami, and on the 18th of that 
month arrived at the rapids and made an inef- 
fectual effort to negotiate a peace with the Indians ; 
but they, to the number of 2000, being advantage- 



"Wayne's yictory oyer the Indians. 159 

ously posted behind a thick wood and near a British 
fort, treated the proposition with contempt, and 
formed their line, stretching from the river towards 
the west for about two miles. On the morning of 
the 20th the American army advanced in two co- 
lumns, — the first with orders from General Wayne 
to move forward with trailed arms and rouse the 
enemy from his covert; and then, and not till then, 
fire, and press the fugitives so closely that they 
would find it impossible to reload their guns after 
the first discharge. On discovering the immense 
length of the enemy's front, and perceiving their 
design of turning his left flank, the general ordered 
the second line to support the first, and the cavalry, 
under Captain Campbell, to force their way between 
the Indians and the river and attack them on their 
left flank; while General Scott, at the head of the 
mounted volunteers, made a considerable circuit, 
and attacked them on the right. These orders were 
executed with such promptitude, and so com^Dletely 
was the enemy's line broken by the first charge of 
the infantry, that the whole body was soon put to 
flight; and in less than one hour from the com- 
mencement of the action they were driven more 
than two miles, through thick woods, and within 
half a mile of the British fort, where the pursuit 
terminated. 

The ensuing three days were spent by General 
Wayne in burning and destroying the houses and 
the cornfields on the Miami and around the fort, 
the commandant of which did not interfere in any 
way with the operations of either army. On the 
28th he returned to the fort on the Au Glaize ; but, 



160 BATTLE-FIEIJ)S OF THE REPUBLIC. 

the hostility of the Indians still continuing, he pro- 
ceeded to lay waste their whole territory, and the 
next year concluded a treaty with them, by which 
peace was established on terms as satisfactory and 
beneficial to the Indians as to the whites, and which, 
by giving security to the northwestern frontier, soon 
occasioned an increase in the population of that 
delightful region. 



CAPTURE OF LINSURGENTE. 



IGl 




CAPTURE OF l'INSURGENTE. 



CAPTURE OF L'INSURGENTE. 

The quad war, as it is called, between this coun- 
try and France, under the Directory, having com- 
menced, Commodore Truxtun, with a squadron 
under his command, was ovdered to protect the 
commerce of the United States in the West Indies. 
It was while on this service that his brightest laurels 
were won, by the capture of two French frigates, 
each of superior force to his own ship. 

On the 9th of February, the Constellation, being 
alone cruising on her prescribed ground, the island 
of Nevis bearing W. S. W. and distant "five leagues, 
made a large ship on the southern board. The 
stranger, being approached by the Constellation, 
showed the American colors, when the private sig- 
nals were shown. The chase being unable to an- 
il 



162 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

swer, further disguise was abandoned, and, hoisting 
the French ensign, he fired a gun to windward by 
way of challenge, and gallantly awaited the contest. 
This being the first time since the Revolutionary war 
that an American ship had encountered an enemy 
in any manner which promised a contest, the officers 
and men were eager for the engagement ; and the 
enemy were not inclined to avoid it. The ships near- 
ed, until the Constellation, after having been thrice 
hailed, opened a fire upon her antagonist. A fierce 
cannonade ensued, while the American was drawing 
ahead. She suffered much in her sails and rigging, 
and the fore-topmast was nearly cut off by a shot. 
This was, in some degree, remedied by Mr. David 
Porter, a midshipman, who being unable to com- 
municate the circumstance to others, himself cut 
the stoppers and lowered the yard, and thus pre- 
vented the fall of the mast with its rigging. In the 
mean time, their superior gunnery gave the action a 
turn in favor of the Americans, who were at last 
enabled to decide the contest by two or three raking 
broadsides, after a combat of an hour, when the 
American wore round and would again have raked 
her with all their guns, had she not prudently 

struck. 

The prize was the French frigate L'Insurgente,— 
one of the fastest vessels in the world. She was 
greatly damaged, and had lost in all 70 men. The 
Constellation also was much damaged in her rigging, 
but lost only three men, wounded, one of whom, 
Mr. James McDonough, had his foot shot off. 

The Insurgente carried forty guns and 409 men; 
the American vessel thirty-eight guns and 309 men. 



I'l;il< ,'1 









li:/..0,,„y/,y.. 



CAPTURE OF l'iNSURGENTE. 163 

It was half-past three in the afternoon when the 
Insurgente struck, and Mr. Rodgers, the first lieu- 
tenant of the Constellation, was sent, together with 
Mr. Porter and eleven men, to take possession and 
have the prisoners removed ; but, ere this could be 
effected, the darkness and a rise of wind separated 
the ships. 

The situation of Rodgers at this period was un- 
pleasant in the extreme. No handcuffs were to be 
found, and the prisoners seemed disposed to rebel. 
Fortunately, Rodgers was well calculated to act 
with decision in such circumstances, and Porter and 
the men equally prompt in executing his orders. 
The prisoners were sent into the lower hold, and 
a sentinel stationed at each hatchway, with orders 
to shoot any one who should attempt to come upon 
deck without orders. Thus he was obliged to spend 
three days, at the end of which time he arrived 
at St. Kitts, where the Constellation had already 
arrived. 

On the 1st of February, 1800, the Constellation 
came in sight of a strange sail off the coast of Gau- 
daloupe. Thinking her to be an English merchant- 
man, Truxtun hoisted the English flag, in order 
to be hailed by her. This was disregarded, and 
sail made in pursuit, when the stranger was dis- 
covered to be a French man-of-war. The English 
flag was lowered and all made ready for a desperate 
struggle. The enemy's ship was ascertained to 
carry fifty-two guns; but, the vessel being very 
deep, Truxtun was not discouraged by her superior 
force, but still gave chase. The wind being light 
during the afternoon, it was not until evening, at 



164 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

eight o'clock, that they came within sjDeaking-dis- 
tance. The ship then opened a fire upon them, 
which was returned, and kept up till near one in 
the morning, when the French ship made all sail 
to escape. Truxtun ordered to give chase, but was 
informed that the mainmast had been nearly shot 
away; and, as it was found impossible to remedy it, 
the chase was given up. Truxtun bore up for Ja- 
maica, where he arrived in safety. His antagonist, 
it was ascertained afterwards, arrived at Curacoa 
in a very disabled condition, and reported a loss 
of 50 killed and 110 wounded. The loss of the 
Constellation was 14 killed and 23 wounded, of 
whom 11 died. 

The Constellation, at this time, carried twenty 
eigh teens on her main-deck, and the quarter-deck 
was supplied with ten twenty-four-pound carronades. 
She numbered 310 men. The Vengeance, the 
French vessel, carried twenty-eight eighteens, six- 
teen twelves, and eight forty-two-pound carronades. 
There are various statements of her crew, — all be- 
tween 400 and 500 men. v 

It is certain that but for the loss of her mast 
the Constellation would have brought the prize 
into port; indeed, it is reported that the Vengeance 
struck three times, but, the Americans continuing 
their fire, the colors were hoisted again. 

Commodore Truxtun was rewarded for this ex- 
ploit by a promotion to the command of the Presi- 
dent, forty-four guns, and was also presented by 
Congress with a gold medal. 



BURNING OF THE THILADELPHIA. 



165 




CAPTAIN DECATUR. 



BURNING OF THE PHILADELPHIA. 

After the declaration of war with Tripoli, whilst 
cruising off that port, in 1803, the Philadelphia, Cap- 
tain Bainbridge, saw a ship in-shore, sailing westward. 
The Philadelphia made sail in chase, when the stran- 
ger hoisted Tripolitan colors and stood in-shore. In 
following her the frigate unfortunately ran on the 
rocks. Every effort was immediately made to get 
her off, either by driving her over them or by back- 
ing her off; but all was ineffectual. The bow- 
anchors were cast away, the water started in the 
hold, most of the guns thrown overboard, and the 



1G6 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE KEPUBLIC. 

foremast cut away. The ship still remained im- 
movable, and the Tripolitan gunboats now came out 
to attack her. An unequal combat ensued for five 
hours, when Bainbridge, finding that he could 
neither get the vessel ofl* nor defend her from the 
gunboats, was compelled to haul down his flag. 
The vessel was soon after boarded by the Tripoli- 
tans, who commenced a deliberate system of plunder 
and robbery, which the Americans could not resist. 
The captain and crew were taken on shore, and the 
officers were lodged under parole in the house for- 
merly occupied by Mr. Cathcart. Notwithstanding 
this unfortunate occurrence, Captain Bainbridge 
rendered his country nearly as efficient service 
during his captivity, by his valuable suggestions to 
Commodore Preble, as if he had been in his former 
command. 

After concluding the treaty with the Emperor of 
Morocco, Commodore Preble sailed to Gibraltar, and 
thence sent the New York and John Adams to the 
United States. On the 12th of November he de- 
clared Tripoli to be in a state of blockade, and on 
the 24th he received news of the loss of the Phila- 
delphia. This news was confirmed at Malta, on the 
27th, by a letter from Bainbridge. On the 23d of 
December, cruising ofl" Tripoli in company with the 
Enterprise, he captured the Turkish ketch Mastico, 
which was afterwards called the Intrepid and taken 
into the service. On the 26th a severe gale of 
wind caused him to sail to Syracuse, and on the 3d 
of February, 1804, the Siren and the Intrepid 
sailed for Tripoli, with orders to burn the Philadel- 
phia. The Intrepid carried four guns and 75 men. 







,illMflVVail Ml' " 



1G8 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

Owing to the heavy gales usual about this season of 
the year, the 16th had arrived before Decatur was 
justified in making the attempt. The Siren having 
taken the best position to cover the retreat of the 
Intrepid, Decatur entered the harbor at 7 o'clock, 
p. M., and boarded and took possession of the Phila- 
delphia. At this time all the guns of the frigate 
were mounted and charged, and she lay within half- 
gunshot of the bashaw's castle and his principal 
battery. Two Tripolitan cruisers were lying wdthin 
two cables'-length, on the starboard quarter, and 
several gunboats within half-gunshot on the star- 
board bow, and all the batteries on shore were 
opened on the assailants. About 20 of the Tripoli- 
tans on board of the Philadelphia were killed ; a 
large boatful escaped, many leaped into the water, 
and one man was wounded and made prisoner. 
After gaining possession of the frigate, Decatur set 
fire to the storerooms, gunroom, cockpit, and berth- 
deck, and he, with his officers and men, remained 
on board until the flames had issued from the ports 
of the gundeck, and the hatchways of the spar- 
deck ; and they did not shove off the Intrepid until 
the fire had spread to her rigging and tops. This 
gallant achievement was effected without tlie loss of 
a man killed, and but one slightly wounded. 

For his conduct on this occasion, Decatur received 
from Congress a sword ; he was also promoted to a 
captaincy ; and the officers and crew of the Intrepid 
received two months' pay for their gallantry. 



BOMBARDMENT OF TRIPOLI. 



169 




Bfe ^ 








BOMBARDMENT OP TRIPOLL 

BOMBARDMENT OF TRIPOLI. 

On the 21st of July, 1804, the American squadron 
was collected off Tripoli. It consisted of the Con- 
stitution, forty-four twenty-four-pounders; Argus, 
eighteen twenty-four-pounders; Siren, eighteen 
eighteen-pounders ; Vixen, sixteen six-pounders ; 
Enterprise, fourteen six-pounders ; six-gunboats, 
carrying each one brass twenty-six-pounder; two 
bomb-ketches, each carrying a thirteen-inch mortar; 
and the Scourge, a captured polacre, taken into the 
service. The whole number of men in the fleet 
was 1060. The batteries on shore were judiciously 
constructed, mounted one hundred and fifteen pieces 
of heavy cannon, and were defended by 25,000 Arabs 
and Turks; the harbor was protected by nineteen 



170 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

gunboats, two galleys, two schooners of eight guns 
each, and a brig of ten guns. 

The unfavorable weather prevented an attack 
until the 3d of August, when, says Commodore Preble, 
in his despatches, "At noon we were between two 
and three miles from the batteries, which were all 
manned. At half-past twelve I wore off-shore, and 
made the signal to come within hail, when I com- 
municated to each of the commanders my intention 
of attacking the enemy's shipping and batteries. 
The boats were immediately manned, and prepared 
to cast off in two divisions of three each, — Captain 
Somers, Lieutenant James Decatur, and Lieutenant 
Blake, commanding the three first respectively. 
Captain Stephen Decatur, Lieutenants Bainbridge 
and Trippe, the second division." 

The two bombards were commanded by Lieu- 
tenant-Commandant Dent and Lieutenant Robinson. 
At half-past one o'clock the squadron stood for the 
batteries; at two the gunboats were cast off. At 
half-past two signal for battle, at fifteen minutes 
before three signal for general action. It was com- 
menced by throwing shells from the bombs into the 
town. A tremendous fire was immediately opened 
from the whole of the enemy's guns, and returned 
by the squadron, while Captain Decatur, in the 
second division of. gunboats, advanced to board the 
eastern division of the enemy, consisting of nine 
gunboats. As they advanced, grape and musket- 
balls were fired, which were soon succeeded by the 
free use of the pistol, sabre, pike, and tomahawk. 
Captain Somers was in such a dull sailer that he 
was unable to second Decatur's attack ; but, bearing 



BOMBARDMENT OF TRIPOLI. 171 

down upon the western division of five gunboats, he 
defeated and drove them on the rocks in a shattered 
condition. 

Lieutenant Blake was kept to windward during 
the whole of the action, and on that account many 
of the enemy's gunboats escaped which might by 
his aid have been taken. Lieutenant James De- 
catur, in the remaining vessel of the first division, 
engaged one of the largest of the enemy's boats, 
and compelled her to strike her colors ; but, as he 
was boarding her to take possession, the cowardly 
captain of the surrendered boat drew a pistol and 
shot him through the head, by which baseness he 
was enabled to escape under cover of the other 
boats. 

Captain Decatur, after having boarded and car- 
ried one of the enemy of superior force, took his 
prize in tow, bore down and engaged a second, 
which was also obliged to surrender. The gallant 
officer narrowly escaped death twice during this 
action; once by his own presence of mind, and 
again by the devotion of one of his crew, who, 
being wounded in both hands, received a blow upon 
his own head which was intended for that of De- 
catur. These two prizes had 33 officers and men 
killed, 19 badly wounded, and 27 taken prisoners. 

Lieutenant Trippe, in the last of Decatur's divi- 
sion, ran alongside of one of the enemy's large boats, 
which he attempted to board ; but, his boat foiling 
off too rapidly, himself, Midshipman John D. Hen- 
ley, and nine men only, were enabled to reach the 
Tripolitan deck. They had before them victory or 
death, with the fearful odds of 11 to 36. The 



172 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

Turkish commander defended his vessel with the 
utmost bravery, and before he was mortally woun- 
ded, by the aid of Henley, Lieutenant Trippe had 
received eleven wounds from him. The American 
seamen swept the deck of their enemies, and in a 
few minutes the colors were hauled dowm. Four- 
teen of the enemy were killed and 22 made pri- 
soners, seven of which were badly wounded. 

Lieutenant Bainbridge had his lateen-yard shot 
away before he w^as enabled to close with the 
enemy ; but he galled them by a steady and well- 
directed fire, wdthin musket-shot; indeed, he pursued 
the enemy until his boat grounded under the bat- 
teries. She was fortunately soon got off. The bomb- 
vessels kept tlieir station, though covered with the 
spray of the sea occasioned by the enemy's shot; 
they were well conducted by Lieutenants Dent and 
Robinson, who kept up a constant fire from the 
mortars and threw a great number of shells into 
the town. 

The gunboats made two ineffectual attempts to 
recover the prizes; but the American gunboats 
were too well supported by the shipping, and they 
were obliged to desist. The fire of the Constitution 
produced a great effect, both on shore and on the 
water. Wherever the guns w^ere turned, the 
enemy's batteries were silenced and the flotilla 
thrown into disorder. Her grape-shot made great 
havoc among the men. At half-past four the signal 
was given for the flotilla to retire from the action, 
and in fifteen minutes the light vessels, gunboats, 
and prizes, were all out of reach of the enemy's shot, 
and they were taken in tow. 



CATTURE OF DERNE. 



173 




G E >• E R A 1 E A X X. 



CAPTURE OF DERNE. 

While these operations were in progress on the 
sea, General Eaton had made a successful campaign 
on the land, and, at the time the treaty was signed, 
actually threatened to drive the reigning bashaw 
from the throne. Upon his return to the Mediter- 
ranean he learned that Hamet Bashaw, the exile, 
was at Alexandria, protected by an Egyptian bey. 
After spending some time in the Mediterranean, he 
sailed in the United States brig Argus, Captain Hull, 
for Alexandria, where he arrived on the 25 th of 



174 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

November, 1804. On the last day of November he 
sailed for Eosetta, from Alexandria, where he arrived 
on the following day. On the 7th of December he 
reached Cairo, and, in several conferences with the 
viceroy, that functionary was prevailed upon to 
grant a letter of amnesty, and permission to pass 
the Turkish army, which was besieging the Mame- 
lukes, whom the exiled bashaw had joined in the 
village of Minuet, in Upper Egypt. Despatches 
were sent to Hamet Bashaw, and Eaton busied him- 
self in the mean time with looking for exiles from 
Tripoli who would be inclined to join the expedition. 
From one of them he learned that Joseph Bashaw 
had circulated the report that his brother had been 
assassinated. 

After much difficulty in meeting the bashaw, 
General Eaton prepared to march from Alexandria 
to Derne, across the Libyan Desert, with 500 men, 
100 of whom were Christians, recruited in Egypt. 

Leaving Alexandria on the 3d of March, this 
little army travelled through the desert to Bomba, 
where it arrived on the 15th of April. During the 
march, the Arab chiefs who had sided with Hamet 
Bashaw, and who were but little better than bands 
of robbers, frequently deserted from the main body 
on account of the refusal of General Eaton to satisfy 
their exorbitant demands for money over their stipu- 
lated reward. They generally, however, returned 
to the encampment within a day or two, hoping 
perhaps to make up the loss they sustained from 
General Eaton's firmness by the spoils they expected 
from their enemies. For fifteen days previously to 
their arrival at Bomba, they had been destitute of 



CAPTURE OF DERNE. 1<0 

bread, subsisting upon rice collected in the line of 
march. On the 22d the Argus and Hornet ap- 
peared in sight, saw and answered the signals of 
Eaton, and supplied his army with bread and other 
provisions. Upon receipt of these, the Arab sheiks 
found no difficulty in moving forward ; and on the 
25th of March the army took post on an eminence 
in the rear of Derne. Several chiefs came out of 
the town to Hamet Bashaw to convince him of their 
fealty; and from them they learned that of three 
factions in the town, one, well armed and in poses- 
sion of a strong fortification, was in the interest of 
Hamet. On the 26th, terms of amity were offered 
the Governor of Derne, by a letter from Eaton, 
which he simply answered by the words, "My head, 
or yours." 

On the morning of the 27th the battle was com- 
menced by the Tripolitans firing upon the Argus, 
Hornet, and Nautilus, which had stood in to second 
the attack. The Hornet and Nautilus stationed 
themselves so as to fire upon the batteries, while 
the Argus advanced until she was able to throw her 
twenty-four-pound shot into the town. In a little 
while the batteries were silenced, the Tripolitan 
cannoneers leaving their guns to join their country- 
men in the attack upon the American part of 
Hamet's troops. One field-piece only was here 
worked by the Christians against a battery of the 
barbarians. This was disabled by the rammer be- 
ing shot away; and the enemy were manifestly gain- 
ing the advantage, when Eaton resolved to charge 
with the 50 men under his command. Though the 
Tripolitans numbered seven to one of their oppo- 



176 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

nents, they fled, and their battery was soon sur- 
mounted by the American flag and turned against 
its Late possessors. In this charge Eaton was 
wounded in the wrist, but Lieutenant O'Bannon 
gallantly led on the troops. 

This success was soon followed by the capture of 
the bey's palace, and the town was in possession 
of the Americans. The bey took refuge in a Mo- 
hammedan sanctuary; he, however, managed to 
escape to the Turkish force which had marched 
from Tripoli to the relief of Derne, and which was 
but fourteen hours' march from that town when the 
Americans fortunately gained possession of it. This 
army numbered about 1000 men, exclusive of the 
fu-itives from Derne, and a battle took place be- 
tween it and Hamet's army on the loth of May. 
They commenced the action by an attack on about 
100 of Ilamet's cavalry, who warmly disputed the 
ground but were compelled to give way to superior 
numbers. The enemy succeeded in forcing their 
way to the bey's palace, when a fire was opened 
upon them from the batteries, and they retreated. 
Hamet's forces now came forward and annoyed them, 
and they also suffered much from the fire of the 
shipping, to which they became exposed. The 
enemy lost about 85 in killed and wounded, and 
the bashaw 12. Several of the Arab chiefs in the 
enemy's camp were much dissatisfied, and two of 
them deserted to the army of Hamet Bashaw. From 
this time until the 10th of June the enemy lay en- 
camped within sight of Derne, frequently making 
feints of attack and skirmishing with the bashaw's 
troops. On that day the enemy attempted to drive 



CAPTURE OF DERNE. 



177 



a party of Hamet's cavalry from a j^ass they occu- 
pied in the heights near Derne, and, upon resistance, 
reinforcements were successively added to both sides. 
In the end the exiled sovereign gained a decisive 
victory without any other aid than his own troops 
afforded. The battle was fought in the Barbary 
fashion, the Americans and Europeans being but 
little more than spectators of the fight. The enemy 
lost about 50 killed and 70 wounded. Hamet had 
about 60 killed and wounded in all ; and, had his 
men been provided with bayonets, the cavalry of his 
brother's army would have been severely handled. 



12 



378 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




GEN. W. H. HARRISON. 



BATTLE OF TIPPECANOE. 

In the autumn of 1811, the murders and other 
outrages committed by the savages determmed the 
government to adopt measures for the protection of 
the exposed citizens against further molestation. A 
small force of regulars and militia was assembled 
at Vincennes, and placed under the command of 
William Henrj Harrison, Esq., Governor of the In- 
diana Territory, with instructions to march to the 
Prophet's town and demand a restoration of the pro- 
perty carried off by his partisans. He was author- 
ized also to obtain redress by coercive measures, if 
necessary. 



BATTLE OF TIPPECANOE. 179 

On the 6 th of November Governor Harrison ar- 
rived before the town. Messengers from the Pro- 
phet were sent out to meet him ; and, after an in- 
terview, in which it was mutually agreed that no 
hostilities should take place before the next morning, 
when amicable conferences were to be held, the 
army proceeded to a creek northwest of the village 
and bivouacked on a bank of dry oak land, consider- 
ably elevated, and situated between two prairies. 
The infantry, in two columns, occupied the front 
and rear, separated on the left one hundred and 
eighty yards, and on the right about half that dis- 
tance. The left flank was covered by two companies 
of mounted riflemen, containing 150 rank-and-file, 
commanded by Major-General Wells, of Kentucky, 
and the right flank by Spencer's troop of mounted 
riflemen, to the number of 80. The front line was 
composed of one battalion of the 4th regiment of the 
United States infantry, under the command of Ma- 
jor Floyd, flanked on the right by two companies of 
militia and on the left by one. The rear line was 
formed of another battalion of the 4th United States 
infantry, under Captain Baen, acting major, flanked 
by four companies of militia, under Lieutenant- 
Colonel Decker. Two troops of dragoons, GO strong, 
took post in the rear of the left flank, and another, 
somewhat stronger, in the rear of the front line. To 
guard against a night attack, the order of encamp- 
ment was appointed the order of battle ; and each 
man rested upon his arms. 

One flank was protected by two captain's guards, 
each of 4 non-commissioned officers and 42 privates; 
and the other by two subaltern's guards, each of 20 



180 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

non-commissioned officers and privates. Just before 
reveille on the morning of the 7th of November, 
1811, an attack commenced on the left flank, and 
the pickets were driven in. The first notice of the 
approach of the enemy was the usual yells of the 
savages, within a short distance of the line. They 
had violated the armistice agreed upon to subsist 
until the ensuing day; which, it would seem, they 
had proposed with a view to gain an opportunity of 
surprising their adversaries in their usual manner. 
Nothing but the precaution of encamping in order 
of battle, and the deliberate firmness of the officers 
in counteracting the effects of a surprise, saved the 
army from total defeat. The storm first fell upon 
Captain Barton's regulars and Captain Geiger's 
mounted riflemen, forming the left angle on the 
rear line. Some Indians forced themselves through 
the line and penetrated into the encampment, where 
they were killed. The companies thus suddenly 
and severely attacked were reinforced with all pos- 
sible speed. A heavy fire then opened to the left 
of the front, immediately on the regular companies 
of Captains Baen, Snelling, and Prescot. A gallant 
charge by the cavalry, from the rear of the front 
line, under Major Davies, was ordered for the pur- 
pose of breaking the Indians, who appeared in great 
force among some trees a few yards distant in front. 
The major received a mortal wound, and his men 
were driven back by superior numbers of the enemy. 
Captain Snelling's company then charged with fixed 
bayonets, and the enemy were dislodged. The 
enemy's fire now extended along the left flank, the 
whole of the front, the right flank, and part of the 



BATTLE OF TIPPECANOE. 



181 



rear line. Upon Spencer's mounted riflemen and 
the right of Warwick's company it was excessively 
heavy. Captain Spencer and his first and second 
lieutenants were killed ; and Captain Warwick fell, 
mortally wounded. The troops, notwithstanding 
the fall of their officers, bravely maintained their 
posts until reinforced. Day approached ; when Ma- 
jor Wells, reconnoitring the position of the enemy 




BATTLE OF TIPPECANOE. 



on the left, charged and broke them. At this favor- 
ing moment, a small detachment from the cavalry 
dashed furiously upon the retreating Indians and 
precipitated them into the marsh. Simultaneously 
with these successful efforts on the left, the enemy 
were charged on the right by the companies of Cap- 
tain Cook and Lieutenant Larabie, supported by the 



182 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



mounted riflemen, who pursued and killed a num- 
ber of Indians in their flight. Driven now at all 
points, and pursued as far as the ground would per- 
mit, the Indians dispersed in every direction. They 
were handled so severely in the end that they were 
compelled to abandon many of their killed and 
wounded on the field, which is, with them, evidence 
of positive defeat. Forty Indians were found dead 
on the field. Numbers were carried off", some of 
whom were found the next day in holes contain- 
ing two, three, and four bodies, covered to conceal 
them from the victorious army. The general esti- 
mated their loss, in killed and wounded, at 150. 



THE WAR OF 1812. ' 183 




EACBARY TATLOB. 



COMMENCEMENT OF THE WAR OF 1812 
—DEFENCE OF FORT HARRISON. 

Many causes of mutual hostility between the 
United States and Great Britain had existed since 
the Revolution ; but these did not lead to actual 
hostilities until the 18th of June, 1812, when war 
was declared by the United States. 

The chief reasons of war with Britain, as stated 
in the President's message, were : — Impressment 
of American seamen, British cruisers violating the 
peace of our coasts, pretended blockades of the 
enemy's coast without an adequate force, and the 
orders in council whereby our commerce with her 
enemies was entirely prohibited and a vast amount 
of property captured while on its way to their ports. 



184 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

The war on land was at first disadvantageous to 
tlie United States. Michilimakinac, with the ter- 
ritory of Michigan, fell into the hands of the Bri- 
tish. General Hull, who invaded Canada, August 
1, 1812, was captured, with his whole army; and the 
territory on our northwestern frontier was thus 
laid open to the attacks of the enemy, aided by 
hostile Indians. Previous to Hull's surrender, which 
took place on the IGth of August, 1812, there had 
been an action at Brownstown, twenty-six miles below 
Detroit, between Major Vanhorne with 200 Ohio 
volunteers, and an ambuscade of Indians, in which 
our loss was 17 killed and 8 wounded, (August 4.) 
Another action took place, August 9, at Maguago, 
fourteen miles below Detroit, in which Colonel 
Miller, with 600 militia, defeated 700 British and 
Indians, under Major Muir and Tecumseh. Our 
loss was 18 killed and 64 wounded; their loss was 
15 regulars killed and 40 Indians found dead on the 
field. Near Chicago, August 15, Captain Heald, with 
54 regulars and 12 militia, encountered between 
400 and 500 Indians, and, after a severe contest, was 
defeated with the loss of 39 men, with two women 
and 12 children who were with the party. 

Captain Taylor in defending Fort Harrison met 
with better success. This post, which was situated 
on the river Wabash, in the Indian Territory, was 
garrisoned by about 50 men, one-third of whom were 
sick, under Captain Zachary Taylor, of the regular 
army. On the evening of the 3d of September, 1812, 
two young men were shot and scalped in the vicinity 
of the fort ; and on the succeeding night the attack 
was commenced by the conflagration of a block- 



DEFENCE OF FORT HARRISON. 



185 



house, in which the provisions were contained ; 
and, at the same time, a brisk fire was opened by 
a large body of the Indians who had lain in am- 
bush. The fire was returned with great spirit by 
the garrison ; and, as the destruction of the block- 
house had caused an opening in his line of defence. 
Captain Taylor, with great presence of mind, pulled 
down a cabin, and with its materials constructed 




DEFENCE OP FORT HARRISON. 



a breastwork across- the aperture. The situation 
of this small but gallant party became, however, 
very critical, as the attempts of the enemy to enter 
by the breach produced by the fire were of a most 
desperate nature. Two of the garrison, preferring 
the risk of capture by the enemy to the prospect 
of massacre in the fort, endeavored to make their 
escape. One of them was immediately killed ; the 



186 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE EEPUBLIC. 

other returned to the walls, and remained concealed 
until morning. The enemy, finding their attempts 
to gain possession ineffectual, retreated about day- 
light, but remained in the vicinity of the fort for 
several days. Their loss was supposed to have 
been considerable; that of the garrison was only 
three killed and three wounded; but the destruc- 
tion of the block-house was a serious disadvantage, 
as it contained the whole of the provisions. For 
his gallant conduct on this occasion Captain Taylor 
was shortly after brevetted a major. 



BATTLES OF OGDENSBURG, FORT NIAGARA, ETC. 187 




BATTLES OF OGDENSBURG, FORT 
NIAGARA, AND QUEENSTOWN. 

In the beginning of October, 1812, there were as- 
sembled at Black Rock and Buffalo 1300 newly- 
enlisted recruits, under General Smyth, 500 militia 
at the same place, 2900 militia near Lewistown, 
six companies of field and light artillery, amounting 
to 300 men, and 800 infantry, at Fort Niagara, mak- 
ing an aggregate of 5800, and composing what Gene- 
ral Smyth in his proclamations denominates the 
army of the centre, extending the length of the 
Niagara frontier. The whole of this force was un- 
der the command of Major-General Van Rensselaer, 
of the Albany militia. On the opposite side of the 
river was General Brock, with a force at Fort 
George, and other posts extending to and including 



188 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

Fort Erie, of 2400 men, consisting of the veterans 
of the 41st and 49th regiments and Canadian flank- 
companies, and 400 Indians. 

On the 8th of October, two British armed brigs, 
the Detroit and Caledonia, came down the lake from 
Maiden and anchored under the guns of Fort Erie. 
Lieutenant Elliott, of the navy, had then just ar- 
rived at Black Rock, with 50 seamen, to superin- 
tend the naval operations in that quarter. On the 
evening of the 9th, with his seamen and a detach- 
ment of 50 volunteers from General Smyth's brigade, 
he passed over from Black Rock, boarded and took 
the brigs. But, the wind not favoring, they drifted 
down the current and grounded. The Detroit, which 
Avas formerly the American brig Adams and sur- 
rendered by Hull at Detroit, after being divested 
of most of her military stores, was abandoned and 
burned. The Caledonia, being near enough to be 
protected by the guns at Black Rock, was saved ; 
she was laden with furs to the value of $150,000. 
This brilliant achievement was effected with the loss 
of only two killed and four wounded. 

The general tenor of the Congressional debates 
and the joublications and the conversation of the 
day had induced a settled belief that the Canadas 
would be a certain, easy, and almost a bloodless, 
conquest ; that, upon the appearance of a respectable 
force at any point on the frontier, the Canadians in 
great numbers would flock to the American standard 
and assist in the object. Impressed with these ideas, 
the militia and volunteers, who had come out but for 
a short period, were impatient to make a descent on 
Canada. They insisted on being permitted to attack 



BATTLES OF OGDENSBUEG, FORT NIAGARA, ETC. 189 

and drive the British from the Niagara peninsula and 
then to return to their homes ; and many threatened 
to leave the camp unless led to immediate action. 
The success of Lieutenant Elliott had induced them 
to believe that the conquest was an easy one, and 
that they had only to show themselves to the enemy 
in order to conquer them. In compliance with their 
wishes, General Van Rensselaer decided on making 
the attempt. The principal British force was at 
Fort George ; but they had made an establishment 
and erected batteries on the heights above Queens- 
town : against these batteries the efibrts of the 
American troops were to be first directed. Batteries 
were erected on the American shore to protect the 
passage and landing of the troops. The regular forces, 
under Colonel Fenwick and Major Mallary, were 
ordered up to Lewistown ; and thirteen boats, being 
all that could be procured at the time, were provided 
for crossing. The van of the troops destined for the 
attack consisted of militia, under the command of 
Colonel Solomon Van Rensselaer, aid to the general, 
a part of the loth infantry, under Colonel Christie, 
a detachment of the Cth and 9th, under Major Mal- 
lary, — the whole amounting to 400 men. At three 
o'clock on the morning of the 13th they proceeded 
from the camp at Lewistown to the place of embark- 
ation. Colonel Van Rensselaer, to whom the chief 
command of the expedition was intrusted, with 100 
men, crossed over and effected a landing. A grape- 
shot, from a battery below Queenstown which en- 
filaded the passage, wounded Colonel Christie in 
the hand ; his pilot became confused, his boatmen 
frightened, and he was obliged to return. The boats 



190 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



with Major Mallary were carried by the violence of 
the current below the landing-place; two of theni 
were taken, and the others returned. In ascending 
the bank, Colonel Van Rensselaer received four 
wounds. Captains Armstrong, Wool, and Malcolm, 
were also wounded; and Lieutenant Valleau and 
Ensign Morris killed. A party of British troops. 




BATTLE OF QUEENSTOWN. 



having issued from an old fort below Queenstown, 
were fired upon by the Americans and comj)elled to 
retreat. The firing from the batteries on the heights 
soon obliged the Americans to take shelter under the 
bank. To Colonel Van Rensselaer, who lay on the 
bank severely wounded, application was made for 
orders. He directed the batteries to be immediately 



BATTLES OF OGDENSBURG, FOKT NIAGARA, ETC. 191 

stormed. The men were rallied, and 160, under the 
command of Captain Wool, mounted the rocks on 
the right of the batteries and took them. The guns 
were ordered to be turned upon the enemy, but were 
found to be spiked. The remainder of the detach- 
ment now joined Captain Wool. Both parties were 
considerably reinforced, and the conflict grew severe 
at various points. Many of the British took shelter 
behind a guard-house, from whence a piece of ord- 
nance was briskly served ; but the fire from the bat- 
teries on the American side soon silenced it. The 
British then retired behind a large stone house, but 
were soon routed and driven from the hill in every 
direction. General Brock rallied the troops at 
Queenstown, and, with reinforcements, led them 
round the hill in rear of the batteries. Captain 
Wool, discerning this, detached 160 men to meet 
them; these were driven back. Being reinforced, 
they returned to the attack, and were again driven 
by the British to the precipice wdiich forms the bank 
of the Niagara above Queenstown. Here, the British 
pressing upon them with double their numbers, and 
no opportunity of retreating, an officer placed a white 
handkerchief upon the point of a bayonet, and raised 
it as a flag, with intention to surrender; Captain 
Wool immediately tore it off, rallied his men, and 
returned to the charge. The British troops were in 
turn routed. 

General Brock, in endeavoring to rally them, was 
struck by three balls and instantly killed. His aid, 
Colonel McDonald, the attorney-general of Upper 
Canada, was mortally wounded by his side. By ten 
o'clock the British were completely driven from the 



192 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

heights. The American hne reformed, and flank- 
ing-parties were sent out. The victory now ap- 
peared complete, and General Van Rensselaer pro- 
ceeded to take measures to secure the conquest. At 
two o'clock. General Wadsworth, of the militia, with 
Colonels Scott, Christie, and Major Mallary, crossed 
over and took the command. Caj^tain Wool was 
directed to retire and have his wounds dressed. He 
crossed the river for that purpose, and soon returned 
to the field. About three o'clock a large party of 
Indians appeared, pouring out of Chippewa, and, with 
their savage, yells, commenced a furious attack. The 
Americans at first gave way, but were soon rallied, 
and charged the savages, who directly fled to the 
woods, leaving one of their chiefs a prisoner and 
several dead on the ground. Scarcely had this 
battle ended, when a large reinforcement with artil- 
lery arrived from Fort George, and the' battle was 
renewed with increased severity. 

Most of the events of the day were in view of 
Lewistown. The militia who had not crossed over 
had now seen enough of war. Their zeal for the 
Canadian conquest had abated. They had dis- 
covered that the Constitution did not require them 
to go beyond the limits of the United States. Seve- 
ral boatloads which had embarked returned, and 
no more could be induced to go. General Van Rens- 
selaer returned to the American side, and, by every 
means of persuasion and authority, promising and 
threatening, endeavored to bring them over to 
secure the victory; but to no efiect. Twelve hun- 
dred, whose presence only on the opposite bank 
would have decided the fortune of the day, stood 



BATTLES OF OGDENSBURG, FORT NIAGARA, ETC. 193 

on the American shore, inactive spectators of the 
slaughter and capture of their brethren. The regu- 
lar troops, under General Smyth, who had been 
ordered down from Black Rock, had not arrived; 
and the Americans on the heights were left to pro- 
tect themselves. At this time General Van Rens- 
selaer addressed a note to General Wadsworth, in- 
forming him that it was out of his power to send 
him succors, and advising him to retreat to the river, 
where boats should be provided to take them over. 
The gallant band fought their way to the river 
against thrice their numbers, but on arriving there 
no boats were to be found. The same panic had 
struck the boatmen : not a boat could be manned 
to bring them off, and the whole were obliged to 
surrender. 

Three hundred and eighty-six regulars, and 368 
militia, were made prisoners : the number killed was 
not exactly ascertained, but supposed to be about 90. 
The whole loss in killed, wounded, prisoners, and 
missing, was estimated at 1000. General Brock was 
conveyed to Fort George, and interred on the 15th 
with military honors, the guns of Fort Niagara, as 
well as those of Fort George, firing during the 
ceremony. 



13 



19'4 BATTLE-FIELDS OF TUE REPUBLIC. 




CONSTITUTION AND GUERRIERE. 

On the 2d of August, 1812, the Constitution, of 
forty-four guns, Captain Hull, sailed from Boston on 
a cruise which will long be memorable in the Re- 
public as the first of a series of exploits which ele- 
vated the character of the nation and strongly 
illustrated the importance of her navy. 

On the 19th of August he fell in with His Bri- 
tannic Majesty's ship Guerriere, rated at thirty-eight 
guns but carrying fifty, commanded by Captain 
Dacres, who, some time before, had politely en- 
dorsed on the register of an American ship an invi- 
tation to Captain Hull to give him a meeting of this 
kind. 

At half-past three p.m.. Captain Hull made out 
his antagonist to be a frigate, and continued the 
chase till he was within about three miles, when he 



CONSTITUTION AND GUERRIERE. 195 

cleared for action ; the chase backed her maintopsail 
and waited for him to come down. As soon as the 
Constitution was ready, Hull bore down to bring 
the enemy to close action immediately; but, on his 
coming within gunshot, the Guerriere gave a broad- 
side and filled away and wore, giving a broadside on 
the other tack, but without effect, her shot falling 
short. She then continued wearing and manoeuv- 
ring for about three-quarters of an hour to get a 
raking position ; but, finding she could not, she bore 
up and ran under her topsails and jib, with the wind 
on the quarter. During this time, the Constitution 
not having fired a single broadside, the impatience 
of the officers and men to engage was excessive. 
Nothing but the most rigid discipline could have re- 
strained them. Hull, however, was preparing to 
decide the contest in a summary method of his own. 
He now made sail to bring the Constitution up with 
her antagonist, and, at five minutes before six, p.m., 
heing alongside loWiin half ^n^tol-shot, he commenced 
a heavy fire from all his guns, douhle-sliotted loltli 
round and gra])e; and so well directed and so well 
kept up was the fire that in sixteen minutes the 
mizzenmast of the Guerriere went by the board, and 
her mainyard in the slings, and the hull, rigging, and 
sails were completely torn to pieces. The fire was 
kept up for fifteen minutes longer, when the main 
and foremast went, taking with them every spar ex- 
cept the bowsprit, and leaving the Guerriere a com- 
plete wreck. On seeing this, Hull ordered the firing 
to cease, having brought his enemy in thirty minutes 
after he was fiiirly alongside to such a condition that 
a few more broadsides must have carried her down. 



196 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



The prize being so shattered that she was not 
worth bringing into port, after removing the pri- 
soners to the Constitution she was set on fire and 
blown up. In the action the Constitution lost 7 
killed and 7 wounded; the Giierriere, 15 killed, 62 
wounded, — including the captain and several officers, 
— and 24 missing. 

The news of this victory was received in the 
United States with the greatest joy and exultation. 
All parties united in celebrating it, and the citizens 
and public authorities vied with each other in be- 
stowing marks of approbation upon Captain Hull 
and his gallant officers and crew. 




BUR BENDER OF THE QUERRIERE. 



CRUISE OF COMMODORE RODGERS. 197 




UNITED STATES AND MACEDONIAN- 
WASP AND FROLIC— CONSTITUTION 
AND JAVA. 

On the 8th of October, 1812, the squadron under 
the command of Commodore Rodgers, consisting of 
the President, United States, and Congress frigates, 
and the Argus sloop-of-war, sailed from Boston on a 
cruise. On the 13 th, in a gale of wind, they parted 
from the United States and Argus. On the loth, 
the President and Congress captured a British packet, 
with specie amounting to nearly two hundred thou- 
sand dollars. On the 30th of December the two 
frigates arrived at Boston, without having had the 



198 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

good fortune to bring an armed vessel of the enemy 
to action. The Argus arrived soon afterwards at 
New York, from a very successful cruise of ninety- 
six days, during which she made captures of British 
merchant-men to the value of two hundred thousand 
dollnxs, and displayed the swiftness of her sailing, 
as well as the skill of her officers, by an escape 
from a squadron of the enemy, consisting of six sail, 
by which she was chased for three days. 

But the cruise of the United States was by far 
the most fortunate, as it gave her distinguished com- 
mander an opportunity of adding another leaf to the 
laurels he had already acquired, and of shedding 
additional glory on the Republic. On the 25th of 
October, being off the Western Islands, she fell in 
with the British frigate Macedonian, of forty-nine 
guns and 300 men, — a vessel newly built and of 
superior equipment. Being to windward, the latter 
had the advantage of choosing her distance, which, 
as the United States was in great part armed with 
carronades, prevented her from availing herself of 
them. In consequence of this the action occupied 
an hour and a half. As soon, however, as the 
United States was able to bring her enemy to close 
action, the superiority of the Americans in gunnery 
was manifestly displayed. The enemy's mizzenmast 
and most of his spars and rigging being shot away, 
he deemed it expedient to surrender, with the loss 
of 36 killed and 68 wounded. That of the Ame- 
ricans was only four killed and seven wounded : 
among the former was Lieutenant John Musser 
Funk. This great disproportion in the loss of lives, 
which was remarkably displayed in all the naval 



200 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

actions during the war, while it afforded a striking 
proof of the precision of the Americans in the art 
of firing, rendered their victories doubly grateful, by 
depriving them in a great measure of the alloy of 
individual grief with which such events are too 
often intermixed. 

The damage sustained by the United States was 
not so great as to render necessary her return to 
port. It was deemed proper, however, to accom- 
pany the prize in; and both frigates arrived in 
safety at New York on the 4th of December, where 
Captain Decatur was received with a similar degree 
of rejoicing and gratitude to that the Republic had 
heretofore so liberally bestowed upon Captain Hull. 

The victories, however, of the Constitution and 
United States, brilliant as they were, were obtained 
over antagonists somewhat inferior in the number 
of their guns as well as of their men. We have 
now to record one in which the enemy was un- 
doubtedly superior in the number of his cannon and 
not inferior in the amount of his seamen. The 
United States sloop-of-war Wasp, Captain Jacob 
Jones, sailed from the Delaware on the 13th of 
October. On the 16th she experienced a heavy 
gale, in which two men were lost, together with her 
jib-boom. At midnight on the succeeding day 
several sail were descried, to which chase was 
given. On the 18th, at daylight, they were dis- 
covered to be a convoy of six merchant-men, under 
the protection of a sloop-of-War, four of them being 
armed vessels. At half-past eleven in the morning 
the action commenced between the two national 
vessels, at the distance of about fifty yards. So 



WASP AND FROLIC. 201 

near, indeed, did they arrive, that the rammers of 
the Wasp's cannon were, in one instance, struck 
against the side of her enemy. The fire of the 
Enghsh vessel soon slackened; and after a most 
sanguinary action of forty-three minutes it was 
determined to board her. This was immediately 
effected. Lieutenant Biddle, of the Wasp, particularly 
distinguishing himself among the boarders. When 
they reached the deck of the enemy, they found no 
person upon it, except three officers and the seaman 
at the wheel. The colors were hauled down by 
Lieutenant Biddle, there being no one of the enemy's 
seamen left to perform that office. 

The vessel thus gallantly captured proved to be 
his Britannic majesty's brig-of-war, the Frolic, of 
twenty-two guns, commanded by Captain Whin- 
yates. The Wasp mounting but eighteen guns, the 
enemy was thus superior by four cannon. The 
annals of naval warfare have, perhaps, seldom con- 
tained the narration of a more sanguinary conflict 
than this. The decks of the Frolic were crowded 
with the dead and wounded, many of whom were 
crushed by the falling of her spars. Not less than 
30 are said to have been killed, and about 50 
wounded : both of her masts were shot away ; and 
she lay on the water, an unmanageable wreck. The 
Wasp also suffered severely in her spars and rigging 
from the enemy's fire : her loss of men, however, 
was trivial, compared with that of her opponent, 
four only being killed and four wounded. The 
brave officers and crew of the Wasp were unfor- 
tunately deprived, shortly afterwards, of their hard- 
earned prize. No sooner had the engagement ceased 



202 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

than a sail was seen, which soon approached near 
enough for them to discover that she was an enemy's 
seventy-four-gun-ship. From the disabled state of 
both vessels, an escape was impracticable : they 
were therefore obliged to surrender to the British 
ship Poictiers, by which they were carried into 
Bermuda. 

The honors conferred upon Captain Jones, his 
officers and crew, on their return to the United 
States, were not less flattering than those received 
on the former occasions. Many of the State legis- 
latures voted them their thanks; and the substan- 
tial recompense of twenty-five thousand dollars was 
appropriated by Congress as a compensation for the 
loss of the vessel they had so gallantly acquired. 
Captain Jones was soon afterwards appointed to 
the command of the Macedonian frigate, which had 
been purchased by the government from the cap- 
tors and added to the navy of the United States. 

Nor was this the last of those gallant achieve- 
ments which raised so high the character of the 
American navy. The frigate Constitution was des- 
tined to receive a brilliant addition to the fame she 
had acquired in her combat with the Guerriere, and 
to render the name of the Rej)ublic celebrated in 
remote seas. After his capture of the British frigate. 
Captain Hull resigned the command of the Constitu- 
tion, for the purpose of attending to his private 
aftliirs, and was succeeded by Captain William 
Bainbridge. 

Accompanied by the Hornet sloop-of-war, the 
Constitution sailed from Boston, on a cruise to the 
Pacific Ocean, towards the end of October. In run- 



CONSTITUTION AND HORNET. 203 

ning down the coast of Brazil, they discovered the 
Bonne Citojenne, a British vessel-of-war, of greater 
force than the Hornet, lying in the port of St. Sal- 
vador. Captain Lawrence, of the Hornet, sent a 
challenge, however, to the commander of the enemy's 
vessel, pledging himself that Captain Bainbridge 
should not interfere. The British captain did not 
think proper to accept the offer, although the Con- 
stitution had sailed on another cruise, and the Hor- 
net was left to blockade the enemy's vessel. 

After leaving St. Salvador, Captain Bainbridge 
steered along the coast of Brazil until the 29 th of 
December, when two sail were discovered, one of 
which stood in for the land and the other towards 
the Constitution. The latter was soon perceived to 
be a British frigate, when Captain Bainbridge tacked 
ship and stood for her. At two p.m., the enemy 
being to windward and having hauled down all her 
colors except the union, Captain Bainbridge ordered 
a gun to be fired ahead of her, upon which she 
hoisted her colors and returned the fire. The 
action now commenced with great vigor on both 
sides ; the British frigate keeping at long shot, and 
the Constitution not being able to close with her 
without exposing herself to the danger of being 
raked. The wheel of the latter, however, being 
shot away, Captain Bainbridge now determined to 
bring his antagonist to close action. He accordingly 
luffed up and took a position near to her. Soon 
after four o'clock, the fire of the enemy being com- 
pletely silenced, the Constitution passed ahead for 
the purpose of repairing her rigging. Finding, how- 
ever, that the British fiag was still flying, Captjiin 



204 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

Bainbridge took a raking position on her bows, and 
was at the moment about to commence a destruc- 
tive fire, when the enemy hauled down his colors 
and surrendered his ship. Possession was soon after 
taken of her, when she proved to be the British 
frigate Java, carrying forty-nine guns and manned 
with upwards of 400 men. She was commanded by 
Captain Lambert, a very distinguished officer, who 
was mortally wounded, and was on her way to the 
East Indies, with a number of British land and 
naval officers. Among them was Lieutenant-General 
Hislop and his staff. One hundred supernumerary 
seamen were also on board. Her loss was exceed- 
ingly severe, 60 having been killed and considerably 
more than 100 wounded. The Americans, as usual, 
suffered much less, only 9 being killed and 25 
wounded. 

Finding that the Java was so much injured by 
the fire of the Constitution as to forbid the hope of 
getting her safe into the United States, she was set 
on fire on the 31st, the crew and passengers and 
their baggage having been previously removed. The 
prisoners, to the number of 361, including officers, 
were landed at St. Salvador, on their parole. The 
damage the Constitution received in tlie action, and 
her decayed state, made it necessary to return to 
the United States for repairs. She left St. Salvador 
on the 6th of January, and arrived at Boston on 
the 8th of the succeeding month. 

In all the victories of the American navy the 
skill and valor of the officers and crews were not 
less conspicuous than their humanity and generosity 
to their vanquished enemy. The truth of the old 



TRIUMPHS OF THE AMERICAN NAVY. 205 

observation, that the brave are peculiarly susceptible 
of the kindly and gentler feelings of our nature, 
was never more strongly manifested than on these 
occasions. Every thing that the most active 
humanity as well as the most refined delicacy could 
suggest was displayed towards the officers and 
crews of the Guerriere, the Macedonian, the Frolic, 
and the Java. Private property was scrupulously 
respected ; and the acknowledgments of the enemy 
evinced their high sense of the liberality with 
which the conduct of the Americans had been 
marked. 

It was not to be expected, however, that the con- 
flict on the ocean, covered as it was by the ships of 
the enemy, could be carried on without some loss to 
the American navy. It was boldly anticipated by 
the British orators at the commencement of the war 
that the infant marine of the Republic would be 
swept from the ocean, while the commerce of the 
British isles would be carried on as usual, without 
interruption. Even the best friends of America 
feared that, after a sanguinary opposition and per- 
haps useless victories, the national vessels would 
be hunted from the ocean or be compelled to sur- 
render to an overpowering superiority. The con- 
trast between these anticipations, however, and the 
actual result, was of the most striking nature, and 
must have afforded occasion to many mortifying 
reflections on the part of the British cabinet. Six 
months had now elapsed from the commencement 
of hostilities, during which time the national ves- 
sels of the Republic had carried its flag into almost 
every ocean. Three of them only had fallen into 



206 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE EEPUBLIC. 

tlie hands of the enemy, and those under such cir- 
cumstances of rehative force as to reflect no discredit 
on the captured. The Wasp sloop-of-war was taken, 
as we have seen, by a seventy-four-gun ship ; the 
schooner Nautilus, of twelve guns, commanded by 
Lieutenant Crane, surrendered, after a long chase, 
to a squadron of the enemy's frigates ; and the 
Vixen gun-brig was captured on the 22d of Novem- 
ber by the frigate Southampton, and carried into 
the West Indies, where her commander, Captain 
Bead, subsequently died. 

On the other hand, the havoc made upon the 
commerce of the enemy was beyond all previous 
calculation. It has been stated, upon good authorit\-, 
that, previous to the meeting of Congress in Novem- 
ber, nearly two hundred and fifty vessels had been 
captured by the American cruisers, and more than 
3000 prisoners taken, while of the American mer- 
chant-men comparatively few had fallen into the 
power of the enemy. The injury thus inflicted on 
the British commerce was produced only in a partial 
degree by the public vessels. The American priva- 
teers swarmed in every sea, and the enterprise so 
conspicuous in the character of the nation rendered 
them most formidable opponents. Being mostly 
built with a view to expeditious sailing, they were 
in general able to overtake the merchant vessels 
and to escape from the fastest frigates of the enemy. 
These advantages were never sullied by inhumanity; 
and the generosity with which they, in many in- 
stances, acted in opposition to the love of profit, 
reflects credit on the national character. 



BATTLE OF FREXCllTOWX. 



207 




MASSACRE OJJ THE KITER RAISIN. 



BATTLE OF FRENCHTOWN. 

In the West and Northwest the American arms 
were unfortunate. The left wing of the North- 
western army was commanded by General James 
Winchester. Receiving intelligence that the British 
and Indians were posted at Frenchtown, on the 
river Raisin, Harrison ordered this detachment to 
proceed against them, if its commander thought it 
practicable. Winchester immediately detached an 
efficient force, under Colonel Lewis, which made a 
rapid march and reached the vicinity of Frenchtown 
on the 18th of January. The enemy were prepared 
to receive them ; but the Americans advanced with 
such impetuosity that the enemy were dislodged 
from their works and driven to the distance of two 
miles. The battle lasted from three o'clock in the 



208 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



afternoon until dark. The American detachment 
then encamped on the spot from which it had driven 
the enemy. The loss of the British and Indians was 
very severe. That of the Americans was 12 killed 
and 55 wounded. General Winchester, with about 
300, arrived at Frenchtown on the 20th. 

On the morning of the 22d the Americans were 
surprised and attacked by a greatly superior force of 
British and Indians, commanded by Colonel Proctor. 
The action was warmly contested for about a half 
hour, when, the enemy's fire becoming too galling, 
Winchester ordered his men to form on the north 
bank of the river; but they gave way, and could 
not be rallied. The Indians gained their rear, and, 
thus borne down by numbers, General Winchester, 
35 officers, and 487 non-commissioned officers and 
privates, surrendered themselves prisoners of war. 
Before the troops surrendered, the British com- 
mander promised them protection from the ferocity 
of tile Indians ; but the promise was made to be 
broken. At break of day the next morning the 
savages were sufiered to commit every depredation 
they jDleased. An indiscriminate slaughter of all 
who were unable to walk ensued ; many were toma- 
hawked, and many were burned alive in their houses. 
Every species of private property remaining in the 
tents was appropriated by the Indians. The whole 
detachment was captured or destroyed. The loss of 
the British and Indians was not ascertained, but 
must have been severe, since, for a time, the Ameri- 
cans fought with the fury of desperation. There is 
no doubt that this disaster was owing to Winchester's 
want of caution. 



SIEGE OF FORT MEIGS. 



209 




--■<a^-^ — ^^ "■■»ij;V'^ \ ^ ^ 



'^"'^'^r^^jr:!^ 







jkjSiwtis^iLii: 




SIEGE OF FORT MEIGS. 

After the defeat and capture of General Win- 
chester and his army at the river Raisin, General 
Harrison established his advanced post at the foot 
of the Miami Rapids, enclosing about eight acres 
with strong pickets, and establishing batteries at 
the most commanding points. This position was 
selected as being convenient for keej)ing open a 
communication and receiving reinforcements and 
supplies from Kentucky and the settled parts of the 
State of Ohio, and, at the same time, affording the 
best station for protecting the borders of Lake Erie, 
recapturing Detroit, and carrying the war into the 
British territories. It was denominated Fort Meigs, 
in honor of the zeal and talents of the Governor of 
Ohio. The Miami of the Lake is formed by the St. 

14 



210 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

Mary's, which comes from the South, and the St. 
Joseph's, which rises in the Indiana Territor3^ 
These rivers unite at Fort Wayne, near the west 
line of the State of Ohio ; from this point the river 
assumes the name of Miami, and runs a northeast- 
erly direction, about fifty miles to Fort Winchester, 
formerly Fort Defiance, where it receives the waters 
of the Auglaize from the South. Thence it con- 
tinues the same course forty miles farther to the 
rapids, and, after passing a short distance below 
Fort Meigs on the left, and the ruins of a small 
village on the right, and embracing a large island, 
falls into the Miami Bay, opposite the site of an 
old British fort, eighteen miles from Lake Erie. 
The rapids terminate at Fort Meigs, three miles 
above the head of the bay. On the breaking up 
of the ice in Lake Erie, General Proctor, with 
all his disposable force, consisting of regulars and 
Canadian militia from Maiden, and a large body 
of Indians under their celebrated chief, Tecumseh, 
amounting in the whole to 2000 men, laid siege to 
Fort Meigs. To encourage the Indians, he had pro- 
mised them an easy conquest, and assured them, 
that General Harrison should be delivered up to 
Tecumseh. On the 26th of April the British co- 
lumns appeared on the opposite bank of the river 
and established their principal batteries on a com- 
manding eminence opposite the fort. On the 27th 
the Indians crossed the river and established them- 
selves in the rear of the American lines. The gar- 
rison, not having completed their w^ells, had no 
water except what they obtained from the river 
under a constant firing of the enemy. On the 1st, 2d, 



SIEGE OF FORT MEIGS. 211 

and 3d of May their batteries kept up an incessant 
shower of balls and shells upon the fort. On the 
night of the 3d the British erected a gun-and-mor- 
tar battery on the left bank of the river, within two 
hundred and fifty j^ards of the American lines. The 
Indians climbed the trees in the neighborhood of the 
fort, and poured in a galling fire upon the garrison. 
In this situation General Harrison received a sum- 
mons from Proctor for a surrender of the garrison, 
greatly magnifying the means of annoyance; this 
was answered by a prompt refusal, assuring the 
British general that if he obtained possession of the 
fort it would not be by caj)itulation. Apprehensive 
of such an attack. General Harrison had made the 
governors of Kentucky and Ohio minutely acquaint- 
ed with his situation, and stated to them the neces- 
sity of reinforcements for the relief of Fort Meigs. 
His requisitions had been zealously anticipated, and 
General Clay was at this moment descending the 
Miami with 1200 Kentuckians for his relief. 

At twelve o'clock in the night of the 4th an offi- 
cer arrived from General Clay with the welcome 
intelligence of his approach, stating that he was just 
above the rapids, and could reach him in two hours, 
and requesting his orders. Harrison determined on 
a general sally, and directed Clay to land 800 men 
on the right bank, take possession of the British 
batteries, spike their cannon, immediately return to 
their boats, and cross over to the American fort. 
The remainder of Clay's force was ordered to land 
on the left bank and fight their way to the fort, 
while sorties were to be made from the garrison in 
aid of these operations. Captain Hamilton was 



212 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

directed to proceed up the river in a perianger, land 
a subaltern on the left bank, who should be a pilot 
to conduct General Clay to the fort, and then cross 
over and station his periauger at the place designated 
for the other division to land. General Clay, having 
received these orders, descended the river in order 
of battle in solid columns, each officer taking posi- 
tion according to his rank. Colonel Dudley, being 
the eldest in command, led the van, and was ordered 
to take the men in the twelve front boats and exe- 
cute General Harrison's orders on the right bank. 
He effected his landing at the place designated, 
without difficulty. General Clay kept close along 
the left bank until he came opposite the place of 
Colonel Dudley's landing; but, not finding the subal- 
tern there, he attemjDted to cross over and join 
Colonel Dudley ; this was prevented by the violence 
of the current on the rapids, and he again attempted 
to land on the left bank, and effected it with only 
fifty men amid a brisk fire from the enemy on shore, 
and made his way to the fort, receiving their five 
until within the protection of its guns. The other 
boats, under the command of Colonel Boswell, were 
driven farther down the current, and landed on 
the right to join Colonel Dudley. Here they were 
ordered to re-embark, land on the left bank, and 
proceed to the fort. In the mean time two sorties 
were made from the garrison, one on the left, in aid 
of Colonel Boswell, by which the Canadian militia 
and Indians were defeated and he enabled to reach 
the fort in safety, and one on the right, against the 
British batteries, which was also successful. 

Colonel Dudley, with his detachment of 800 Ken- 



SIEGE OF FORT MEIGS. 213 

tucky militia, completely succeeded in driving tlie 
British from their batteries and spiking the cannon. 
Having accomplished this object, his orders were 
peremptory to return immediately to his boats and 
cross over to the fort; but the blind confidence 
which generally attends militia when successful 
proved their ruin. Although repeatedly ordered by 
Colonel Dudley, and warned of their danger, and 
called upon from the fort to leave the ground, and 
although there was abundant time for that purpose 
before the British reinforcements arrived, yet they 
commenced a pursuit of the Indians, and suffered 
themselves to be drawn into an ambuscade by some 
feint skirmishing, while the British troops and large 
bodies of Indians were brought up and intercepted 
their return to the river. Elated with their first 
success, they considered the victory as already gain- 
ed, and pursued the enemy nearly two miles into 
the woods and swamps, where they were suddenly 
caught in a defile and surrounded by double their 
numbers. Finding themselves in this situation, con- 
sternation prevailed ; their line became broken and 
disordered; and, huddled together in unresisting 
crowds, they were obliged to surrender to the mercy 
of the savages. Fortunately for these unhappy vic- 
tims of their own rashness. General Tecumseh com- 
manded at this ambuscade, and had imbibed, since 
his appointment, more humane feelings than his 
brother Proctor. After the surrender, and all re- 
sistance had ceased, the Indians, finding 500 pri- 
soners at their mercy, began the work of massacre 
with the most savage delight. Tecumseh sternly 
forbade it, and buried his tomahawk in the head of 



214 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

one of his chiefs who refused obedience. This order, 
accompanied with this decisive manner of enforcing 
it, put an end to the massacre. Of 800 men only 
150 escaped. The residue were slain or made pri- 
soners. Colonel Dudley was severely wounded in 
the action, and afterwards tomahawked and scalped. 
Proctor, seeing no prospect of taking the fort, and 
finding his Indians fast leaving him, raised the siege 
on the 9th of May, and returned with precipitation 
to Maiden. Tecumseh and a considerable portion 
of the Indians remained in service ; but large num- 
bers left it in disgust, and were ready to join the 
Americans. On the left bank, in the several sorties 
of the 5th of May and during the siege, the Ameri- 
can loss was 81 killed and 189 wounded. General 
Harrison, having repaired the fort and committed its 
defence to General Clay, repaired to Franklinton to 
organize the new levies and systematize a plan of 
defence for the Erie frontier. At Lower Sandusky 
he met Governor Meigs, at the head of a large body 
of Ohio volunteers, pressing on to his relief, and gave 
him the pleasing intelligence that the siege was 
raised. The volunteers were there discharged, with 
the warmest acknowledgments of the governor and 
general for their promptness and zeal in marching to 
the relief of Fort Meigs. 



DEFENCE OF FORT STEPHENSON. 



215 




DEFENCE OF FOKT STEPHENSON. 



DEFENCE OF FORT STEPHENSON. 

On the 28th of July, 1813, the followers of Proc- 
tor again approached Fort Meigs, around which they 
remained for a week, effecting nothing, though very 
numerous. The purpose of this second investment 
seems, indeed, rather to have been the diversion of 
Harrison's attention from Erie, and the employment 
of the immense bands of Indians which the English 
had gathered at Maiden, than any serious blow; and, 
finding no progress made. Proctor next moved to 
Sandusky, into the neighborhood of the commander- 
in-chief The principal stores of Harrison were at 
Sandusky, while he was himself at Seneca and 
Major Croghan at Fort Stephenson or Lower San- 
dusky. This latter post being deemed indefensible 
against heavy cannon, and it being supposed that 



216 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

Proctor would of course bring heavy cannon if he 
attacked it, the general and a council of war called 
by him thought it wisest to abandon it; but, before 
this could be done after the final determination of the 
matter, the appearance of the enemy upon the 31st 
of Jul}^ made it impossible. The garrison of the little 
fort was composed of 150 men, under a commander 
just past his twenty-first year, and with a single 
l^iece of cannon, while the investing force, including 
Tecumseh's Indians, was, it is said, 3300 strong, 
and with six pieces of artillery, — all of them, for- 
tunately, light ones. Proctor demanded a surrender, 
and told the unvarying story of the danger of jDro- 
voking a general massacre by the savages unless 
the fort was yielded : to all which the representative 
of young Croghan replied by saying that the Indians 
would have none left to massacre if the British con- 
quered, for every man of the garrison would have 
died at his post. Proctor upon this opened his fire, 
which, being concentrated upon the northwest angle 
of the fort, led the commander to think that it was 
meant to make a breach there and carry the works 
by assault : he therefore proceeded to strengthen 
that point by bags of sand and flour, while under 
cover of night he placed his single six-pounder in a 
position to rake the angle threatened, and then, 
having charged his infant battery with slugs and 
hidden it from the enemy, he waited the event. 
During the night of the 1st of August, and till late 
in the evening of the 2d, the firing continued upon 
the devoted northwest corner; then, under cover 
of the smoke and gathering darkness, a column of 
350 men a^Dproached unseen to within twenty paces 



DEFENCE OF FORT STEPHENSON. 



217 



of the walls. The musketry opened upon them, but 
with little effect; the ditch was gained, and in a 
moment filled with men. At that instant the masked 
cannon, only thirty feet distant, and so directed as to 
sweep the ditch, was unmasked and fired, killing 
at once 27 of the assailants. The effect was decisive; 
the column recoiled, and the little fort was saved, 
with the loss of one man. On the next morning 
the British and their allies, having the fear of Har- 
rison before their eyes, w^ere gone, leaving behind 
them, in their haste, g>ms, stores, and clothing. 




COLONEL CROQIIAN. 



218 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




BUILDIXG OF TIIE FLEET ON LAKE ERIE. 



BATTLE ON LAKE ERIE. • 

The American fleet on Lake Erie having been 
completed, and with great difficulty passed over the 
bar, a principal part of the crew of each vessel being 
made up of the Pennsylvania militia who had volun- 
teered to go on an expedition, sailed on a short cruise 
for the purpose of training the guns and of exercising 
the sailors. In the latter part of August, Commo- 
dore Perry proceeded to the mouth of Sandusky 
River to co-operate with General Plarrison. At this 
place about 70 volunteer marines were received on 
board, and the fleet sailed in quest of the British 
squadron. The latter was at that time near Maiden, 
before which place Commodore Perry appeared, and, 
after reconnoitring the enemy, he retired to Put-in 
Bay, a distance of thirty miles, in hopes of drawing 
out his antai^onist. 





%;, 



li:/. r^,;,,../,,, 



BATTLE ON LAKE ERIE. 219 

On the morning of the 10th of September, 1813, 
the enemy was discovered bearing down upon the 
American squadron, which immediately got under 
way and stood out to meet liim. The superiority of 
force was greatly in favor of the British, though 
they had not an equal number of vessels. Their 
crews were larger and the length and number of 
their guns greater than those of the American 
squadron. 

When the American fleet stood out, the British 
fleet had the weather-gauge; but at ten o'clock A.M. 
the wind shifted and brought the American to wind- 
ward. The line of battle was formed at eleven, and 
at fifteen minutes before twelve the enemy's flag- 
ship and the Queen Charlotte opened upon the Law- 
rence a heavy and efiectual fire, which she was 
obliged to sustain upwards of ten minutes without a 
possibility of returning it, in consequence of her bat- 
tery being of carronades. She nevertheless con- 
tinued to bear up, and, having given a signal to the 
other vessels to support her, at a few minutes before 
twelve opened her fire upon the enemy. 

The \vind being too light to assist the remainder 
of the squadron in coming up, the Lawa^ence was 
compelled to fight the enemy's heaviest vessels up- 
wards of two hours. The crew were not at all 
depressed ; their animation increased as the despera- 
tion of the fight became greater, and the guns were 
worked with as much coolness and precision as if 
they had been in the act of training only. The 
slaughter on board the brig was almost unparalleled, 
the rigging very much injured, and the braces en 
tirely shot awayj and at length, after every gun 



220 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

had been rendered useless, she became quite un- 
mauageable. The first lieutenant, Yarnall, was 
thrice wounded ; the second lieutenant, Forrest, 
struck in the breast ; the gallant Lieutenant Brookes, 
of the marines, and Midshipman Laub, were killed, 
and Sailing-master Taylor, Purser Hamilton, and 
Midshipmen Claxton and Swartwout, wounded. Her 
loss already amounted to 22 killed and 61 wounded, 
wdien the commodore, seeing that she must very soon 
strike if the other vessels were not brought up, gave 
up the command of the Lawrence to Lieutenant 
Yarnall, and, jumping into a boat, ordered it to be 
steered for the Niagara, to wliich vessel he had 
determined to shift his flag. In passing from the 
Lawrence to the Niagara he stood up, waving his 
sword and gallantly cheering his men, under a 
shower of balls and bullets. He gained the Niagara 
unhurt at the moment the flag of the Lawrence 
came down ; and, the wind having at that instant 
increased, he brought her into action, and at forty- 
five minutes past two gave signal for the whole fleet 
to close. 

All the vessels were now engaged; but, as the 
superiority of the enemy had been increased by the 
loss of the Lawrence, the commodore determined on 
piercing his line with the Niagara. He therefore reso- 
lutely bore up, and, passing ahead of the Detroit, 
Queen Charlotte, and Lady Prevost, poured a galling 
and destructive fire into each from his starboard side, 
and into the Chippewa and Little Belt from his lar- 
board. He was then within half pistol-shot, and, as 
he cut through the line, the commander of the Lady 
Prevost, a brave officer, who had distinguished him- 



BATTLE OX LAKE ERIE. 



221 



self at the battle of the Nile, received a musket-ball 
in the face, and the crew, being unalile to stand the 
fire, immediately ran below. At this moment the 
Caledonia was struggling to get closer into the ac- 
tion, and her commander, Lieutenant Turner, ordered 
her guns to be fired through the foresail, which in- 
terfered between him and the enemy, rather than 




BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 



lose the chance of a full share in the combat, and 
was only prevented from attempting to board the 
Detroit by the prudent refusal of the officer of 
another small vessel to assist him. 

The action was now raging with its utmost vio- 
lence, — every broadside fired with the most exact 
precision, and the result of the conflict altogether 
uncertain. In addition to the loss of the Lawrence's 



222 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

guns, one of the Ariel's had bursted,and the enemy 
had then the superiority of thirt3^-four guns. This 
doubtful aspect, however, soon after changed. The 
Queen Charlotte had lost her captain and all her 
principal officers ; and having, by some mischance, 
run foul of the Detroit, most of the guns of both 
vessels became useless. In this situation, advantage 
of which was immediately taken by Commodore 
Perry, they were compelled to sustain, in turn, an in- 
cessant fire from the Niagara and, other vessels of the 
American squadron. The British commodore's flag was 
soon after struck, and those of the Queen Charlotte 
and Lady Prevost, the Hunter, and the Chippewa, 
came down in immediate succession. The whole 
fleet surrendered to the inferior squadron, with the 
exception of the Little Belt, which attempted to 
escape, but w^as pursued by two of the gun-boats 
and captured at a distance of three miles from the 
squadron. 

Thus, after an action of three hours, in which the 
individual gallantry of either fleet had never been 
surpassed by any naval event now to be found on 
the record of history, was the entire command of 
this important lake yielded to the American arms. 



BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 



223 




COLONEL JOHNSON. 



BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 

The victory gained by Commodore Perry on Lake 
Erie gave many advantages to the army of General 
Harrison. The pursuit of the enemy was instantly 
resolved upon. On the 27th of September the army 
crossed the lake. Maiden was found wasted and 
deserted by Proctor, who had retreated by the valley 
of the Thames towards the heart of Canada. On 
the 2d of October Harrison started in pursuit of the 
enemy, and, on the 5th, overtook them. Proctor's 
position was strong. The Lidians, under Tecumseh, 



224 'battle-fields of the republic. 

were upon the left, between the river and a small 
marsh ; the British regulars, between two marshes 
on the right. Harrison's order of battle had been 
determined when he became aware that the British 
regulars were drawn up in open order, which made 
them liable to a fatal attack by cavalry. He in- 
stantly resolved upon a novel manoeuvre. 

Colonel James Johnson, with one battalion of 
mounted men, was ordered to charge and break the 
Hue of regulars and then form in their rear. This 
was executed with precision. The British were 
broken, and the whole body, panic-stricken by the 
unexpected character of the attack, surrendered at 
once. Tecumseh and his Indians fought more ob- 
stinately. The Kentuckians. commanded hy Colonel 
Richard M. Johnson, Avere forced to dismount in the 
contest. But the fall of the valiant Tecumseh, the 
soul of his peojile, led to the complete overthrow of 
the Indians. Within half an hour the battle was 
won, and a detachment was in pursuit of General 
Proctor, who had fled at the onset. Though 5000 
men were engaged in this battle, only about 40 
were killed, most of whom were Indians. This was 
a splendid and decisive victory. The British army 
was nearly all captured, and the Indians never re- 
covered from the blow. 



f 




Pl;;it(\8 



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23 



ii:/..",„,../,y ., 



HORNET AND PEACOCK. 



225 




CAPTAIN' L A \T n E X C E. 



HOENET AND PEACOCK 

On the 23d of February, 1813, the sloop-of-war 
Hornet, commanded by Captain James Lawrence, 
while cruising near Demarara, discovered a brig to 
the leeward, and chased her so near the shore that 
he was obliged to haul off for want of a pilot. Dur- 
ing the chase, however, he had discovered a vessel at 
anchor outside of the bar of Demarara River, M'ith 
English colors flying, and now began beating round 
the Corobano bank to get at her; when, between 
three and four o'clock in the afternoon, another sail 
was seen on his weather-quarter, edging down for him. 
As she approached she hoisted English colors, and 
proved to be the British brig Peacock, Captain Peake. 
The Hornet was immediately cleared for action, and 
kept close to the wind in order to get the weather- 
gauge of the approaching vessel. At ten minutes 
past five, finding that he could weather the enemy, 
Captain Lawrence hoisted American colors, tacked, 
and, in about a quarter of an hour, passed the British 

15 



226 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

ship within half pistol-shot, and exchanged broad- 
sides. The enemy was now in the act of wearing, 
when Captain Lawrence bore up, received his star- 
board broadside, and ran him close on board on the 
starboard-quarter; from Avhich position he kept up 
so close and bloody a fire that in less than fifteen 
minutes from the commencement of the action the 
British struck their colors and hoisted a signal of 
distress. Lieutenant Shubrick instantly went on 
board, and found that she was cut to pieces, her 
captain killed, many of the crew killed and wounded, 
her mainmast gone by the board, six feet water in 
the hold, and sinking very fast. The two ships were 
immediately brought to anchor and the Hornet's 
boats despatched to bring off the wounded; but, 
although her guns were thrown overboard, the shot- 
holes which could be got at plugged, and every ex- 
ertion made by pumping and baling to keep her 
afloat, so completely had she been shattered that 
she sunk before the prisoners could be removed, 
carrying down thirteen of her crew, as well as three 
men belonging to the Hornet. Lieutenant Connor 
and the other officers and men employed in remov- 
ing the prisoners narrowly escaped by jumping into 
a boat as the Peacock went down ; and four seamen 
of the Hornet ran up into the foretop at the same 
time, and were taken off by the boats. 

The Peacock was deemed one of the finest ships 
of her class in the British navy. In size she was 
about equal to the Hornet; but in guns and men 
the Hornet was somewhat, though very little, her 
superior, and by no means so much so as to give 
her any decided advantage. The loss on board the 



frill 1 


Mil 

! 


i 1' 

! J 


! ill 

iIii.Vn 




II 
III 



228 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

Peacock could not be precisely ascertained. Captain 
Peake was twice wounded, the second time mortally. 
Four men were found dead on board. The master 
and thirty-two others were wounded, three of whom 
afterwards died. The Hornet had only one man 
killed and two slightly wounded. Her rigging and 
sails were much cut, but her hull received very 
little injury. 



CHESAPEAKE AND SHANNON. 



229 








CHESAPEAKE AND SHANNON. 

After the action with the Peacock, Captain Law- 
rence was promoted to the command of the frigate 
Chesapeake, then lying in Boston Harbor. She 
sailed on the 1st of June, 1813. 

As soon as she got under way. Captain Law- 
rence called the crew together, and, having hoisted 
the white flag, with the motto of " Free Trade and 
Sailors' Rights," made a short address. His speech, 
however, was received with no enthusiasm ; on the 
contrary, signs of dissatisfaction were evident, — par- 
ticularly from a boatswain's mate, a Portuguese, who 
seemed to be at the head of the malecontents ; and 
complaints were muttered that they had not yet 
received their prize-money. Such expressions, at 
the eve of an action, were but ill-bodings of the re- 
sult of it; but Captain Lawrence, ignorant as he 
was of the character of his sailors, and unwilling at 



230 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

such a moment to damp their spirits by harshness, 
preserved his accustomed cahimess, and had f)rize- 
checks at once given by the purser to those who 
had not received them. While this scene was pass- 
ing, the Shannon, observing the Chesapeake coming 
out, bore awa3^ The Chesapeake followed her till 
four o'clock in the afternoon, when she hauled up 
and fired a gun, on which the Shannon hove to. 
They manoeuvred for some time, till, at about a 
quarter before six, they approached within pistol- 
shot and exchanged broadsides. 

These broadsides were both bloody ; but the fire 
of the Shannon was most fortunate in the destruc- 
tion of officers. The fourth lieutenant, Mr. Ballard, 
was mortally wounded ; the sailing-master was 
killed, and Captain Lawrence received a musket-ball 
in his leg, which caused great pain and profuse 
bleeding; but he leaned on the companion-way and 
continued to order and to animate his crew. A 
second and a third broadside was exchanged, with 
evident advantage on the part of the Chesapeake ; 
but, unfortunately, among those now wounded on 
board of her was the first lieutenant, Mr. Ludlow, 
who was carried below ; three men were successively 
shot from the helm in about twelve minutes from 
the commencement of the action ; and, as the hands 
were shifting, a shot disabled her foresail, so that 
she would no longer answer her helm, and her 
anchor caught in one of the after-ports of the Shan- 
non, which enabled the latter to rake her upper- 
deck. As soon as Lawrence perceived that she was 
falling to leeward, and that by the Shannon's filling 
she would fall on board, he called his boarders, and 



CHESAPEAKE AND SHANNON. 231 

was giving orders about the foresail when he re- 
ceived a musket-ball in his body. The bugleman 
who should have called the boarders did not do his 
duty; and, at this moment, Commodore Broke, 
whose ship had sujQered so much that he was pre- 
paring to repel boarding, perceiving from this acci- 
dent how the deck of the Chesapeake was swept, 
jumped on board with about 20 men. They would 
haVe been instantly repelled ; but the captain, the 
first lieutenant, the sailing-master, boatswain, lieu- 
tenant of marines, the only acting lieutenant on the 
spar-deck, were all killed or disabled. At the call 
of the boarders Lieutenant Cox ran on deck, but 
just in time to receive his falling commander and 
bear him below. Lieutenant Budd — the second 
lieutenant — led up the boarders; but only 15 or 20 
would follow him, and with these he defended the 
ship till he was wounded and disabled. Lieutenant 
Ludlow, wounded as he was, hurried upon deck, 
where he soon received a mortal cut from a sabre. 
The marines who were engaged fought with des- 
perate courage ; but they were few in numbers, too 
many of them having followed the Portuguese 
boatswain's mate, who exclaimed, it is said, as he 
skulked below, " So much for not paying men their 
prize-money!" Meanwhile the Shannon threw on 
board GO additional men, who soon succeeded in 
overpowering the seamen of the Chesapeake, who 
had now no officers to lead or rally them, and took 
possession of the ship, which was not, however, sur- 
rendered by any signal of submission, but became 
the enemy's only because they were able to over- 
whelm all who were in a condition to resist. 



232 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

As Captain Lawrence was carried below, he per- 
ceived the niehancholj condition of the Chesapeake, 
but cried out, " Don't surrender the ship." He was 
taken down in the wardroom, and, as he lay in ex- 
cruciating pain, perceiving that the noise above had 
ceased, he ordered the surgeon to go on deck and 
tell the officers to fight on to the last and never 
strike the colors. " They shall Avave," said he, 
" while I live." But it was too late to resist or to 
struggle longer ; the enemy had already possession 
of the ship. As Captain Lawrence's wounds would 
not allow of his removal, he continued in the ward- 
room, surrounded by his wounded officers, and, after 
lingering in great pain for four days, during which 
his sufferings were too acute to permit him to speak, 
or perhaps to think of the sad events he had just 
witnessed, or do more than ask for what his situa- 
tion required, he died on the 5th of June. His 
body was wrapped in the colors of the Chesapeake, 
and laid on the quarter-deck until they arrived at 
Halifax, where he was buried with the highest 
military and naval honors, the British officers 
forgetting for a moment, in their admiration of his 
character, that he had been but lately their enemy. 
His pall was supported by the oldest captains in 
the navy then at Halifax, and no demonstration of 
respectful attention w'as omitted to honor the re- 
mains of a brave but unfortunate stranger. 



ENTERPRISE AND BOXER. 



233 




ENTERPRISE AND BOXER. 

On the 1st of September, 1813, the brig Enter- 
prise sailed from Portsmouth on a cruise, and on tlio 
3d discovered and chased a schooner into Porthmd, 
where he gained intelligence of several privateers 
being off Manhagan, and immediately stood for that 
place. 

The British gun-brig the Boxer, of fourteen guns 
and nearly 100 men, had been fitted up at St. John's, 
New Brunswick, for the purpose of a combat with the 
Enterprise, mounting the same number of guns and 
very nearly the same number of men. To the crew 
of the Boxer, however, a detachment was added from 
the Rattler upon her arrival on the United States 
coast. On the morning of the 5th the Enterprise, in 
the bay near Penguin Point, discovered the Boxer get- 
ting under way, and gave chase to her. The Boxer 
fired several guns, stood for the Enterprise, and 
hoisted four ensigns. Captain Burrows, having as- 
certained her character, stood out of the bay to 
obtain sea-room; and, followed by the Boxer, he 



234 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

hauled upon a wind until three p. m. At that hour 
he shortened sail, and in twenty minutes the action 
commenced, within half pistol-shot. At the first 
broadside Captain Blythe was killed by a cannon- 
shot through his body, and in a moment after- 
wards Captain Burrows fell by a musket-ball. The 
command of the two vessels during the whole en- 
gagement was therefore maintained by the lieute- 
nants. Captain Burrows refused to quit the deck, 
and at four p.m. received the sword of Captain 
Blythe from the hands of Lieutenant McCall, ex- 
pressed his satisfaction at the manner of his death, 
and expired about eight hours afterwards. The 
colors of the Boxer had been nailed to the mast, 
and her first officer was therefore obliged to hail 
Lieutenant McCall to inform him of her surrender 
before it was known that she was vanquished. She 
was immediately taken possession of and carried 
into Portland, with her masts, sails, and spars cut 
to pieces, and with twenty eighteen-pound shot in 
her hull. The number of her killed and wounded 
could not be ascertained, no papers being on board 
by which the strength of her crew could be known. 
Her officers admitted the loss of 25 killed and 14 
wounded. The rigging of the Enterprise was much 
cut with grape-shot, but her hull was not materially 
damaged. Her loss was one killed and thirteen 
wounded : among the latter, the captain and car- 
penter's mate, mortally. Lieutenant Tillinghast 
"and Midshipman Waters, the latter of whom was 
severely wounded, behaved with coolness and deter- 
mination j and Lieutenant McCall, who succeeded 




//f// ^ / 



236 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

his gallant captain, sustained the reputation of the 
navy by his conduct throughout the action. 

On their arrival at Portland the bodies of the 
deceased commanders were deposited with the usual 
military ceremonies, and the prisoners were soon 
after removed to the interior. Both vessels were 
repaired with the utmost despatch ; and the Boxer, 
being considered the superior vessel, was ordered by 
the President of the United States to be delivered 
up for the benefit of the captors and bought from 
them into the service. 



MASSACRE AT FORT MIJIMS. 



237 




MASSACRE AT FORT MIMMS. 

Early in 1812, Tecimiseh, the great Shawnee 
warrior and statesman, appeared among the Indians 
of the South, attended their councils, and used all 
his knowledge of their character and his eloquence 
to induce them to join the Indian confederacy of the 
North and its British allies. It appears that his 
efforts were at first unsuccessful. But the successes 
of the British in the North, and the awful aid of 
superstition, effected Tecumseh's purpose. Through 
the channel of Florida the British supplied the 
Indians with implements of war and presents of 
goods highly valued by the red men. 

A large majority of the Creeks — by far the most 
powerful of the Southern tribes — were induced to 
begin hostilities against the United States. Murders 
and robberies were committed, and the criminals 
were not delivered up on demand. The inhabitants 
of the frontier were filled with alarm and consterna- 
tion. The people of the Tensaw district, on the 
Alabama, fled for safety to Fort Mimms. This post 



MASSACRE AT FORT MIMMS. ' 239 

was garrisoned by 150 volunteers, under command 
of Major Beasly. In the forenoon of the 30th of 
August, 1812, "Weatherford, a Creek chief of great 
talents, with about GOO warriors, surprised the fort, 
set fire to the buildings it contained, and massacred 
all within it except 17 persons, who contrived to 
escape. Nearly 400 men, women, and children 
were put to death, with circumstances of the utmost 
horror. 

This terrible event spread consternation through 
the neighboring settlements. The inhabitants fled 
towards the other forts, leaving their dwellings and 
fields to be destroyed or wasted by the savages. 
The spirit of the people of Tennessee and Georgia 
was aroused, and prompt exertions were made to 
punish the perpetrators of the massacre. 



240 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




i 



GENERAL JACKSON. 



BATTLES OF TALLUSHATCHES AND 
TALLADEGA. 

On the 2d of November, 1813, Major-General 
Jackson despatched Brigadier-General Coffee from 



BATTLES OF TALLUSHATCHES AND TALLADEGA. 241 

the camp at Ten-Islands with 900 men, consisting 
of cavalry and mounted riflemen, on an expedition 
against the Tallushatches towns, where a consider- 
able force of the Creeks was concentrated. Coffee 
arrived within a mile and a half of the town on the 
morning of the 3d, where he divided his force into 
two divisions, and directed them to march so as 
completely to encircle the town, which was effected 
in a masterly manner. When they arrived within 
about half a mile of the town the enemy began to 
prepare for action, which was announced by the 
beating of their drums, mingled with savage yells. 
About an hour after sunrise the action was brought 
on by two companies who had gone within the circle 
of alignment for the purpose of drawing the enemy 
out from their buildings. As soon as the two com- 
panies exhibited their front in view of the town and 
gave a few scattering shot, the enemy formed and 
made a violent charge upon them, on which they 
gave way, and were followed by the Indians until 
they reached the main body, who immediately 
opened a general fire, and then charged. The In- 
dians now, in their turn, retreated, firing, until they 
got around and in their buildings, when they made 
a most determined resistance, fighting to the very 
last moment, as long as they could stand or sit, not 
one shrinking or complaining, not one asking for 
quarter. Every warrior in the town was killed, and 
all the women and children were taken prisoners, 
except a few wdio were unintentionally slain in con- 
sequence of the men flying to the houses and mix- 
ing with their families, and at the same time refus- 
ing quarter. 

16 



242 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

The number found killed of the enemy was 186, 
and a number of others were killed in the woods 
who were not found. The number of women and 
children taken was 84. Of the Americans five were 
killed and 41 wounded, the greater part slightlj^, 
none mortally ; two of the killed were with arrows, 
which appeared to form a principal part of the arms 
of the Indians on this occasion, every man having a 
bow, with a bundle of arrows, which he used after 
the first fire with his gun, until a leisure time for 
loading offered. 

Coffee bestows much praise on his men for their 
deliberation and firmness. "Notwithstanding our 
numbers," says he, "were far superior to that of the 
enemy, it was a circumstance to us unknown, and 
from the parade of the enemy we had every reason 
to suppose them our equals in number; but there 
appeared no visible traces of alarm in any. On the 
contrary, all appeared cool and determined; and, 
no doubt, when they face a foe of their own or of 
superior number, they will show the same courage 
as on this occasion." 

The following day General Coffee returned with 
his detachment to the camp. 

Late on the evening of the 7th a friendly Indian 
arrived at the camp, who brought intelligence that 
the enemy had arrived in great numbers at Talla- 
dega, about thirty miles below the camp, where 160 
men of the friendly Creeks had erected a fort, the 
more effectually to resist the efforts of the hostile 
party, and where they were now stationed with 
their wives and children. The messenger repre- 
sented that, unless speedy relief could be obtained 



BATTLES OF TALLUSHATCIIES AND TALLADEGA. 243 

from the army, the fort would certainly be taken. 
General Jackson immediately gave orders for taking 
up the line of march, with 1200 infantry and 800 
cavalry and mounted riflemen, leaving behind the 
sick, the wounded, and the baggage, with a suffi- 
cient force for their protection. By twelve o'clock 
that night the army was in motion, and commenced 
crossing the river opposite the encampment, which 
was effected in a few hours, and on the night of 
the 8th the army was encamped within six miles 
of the enemy. At eleven that night a soldier and 
two Indians, who had been sent forward to recon- 
noitre, returned with the intelligence that the enemy 
were encamped within a quarter of a mile of the 
fort ; but they had not been able to approach near 
enough to ascertain either their number or precise 
situation. At midnight the adjutant-general was 
ordered to prepare the line of march, and by four 
o'clock the army was in motion. 

The infantry marched in three columns; the 
cavalry and mounted riflemen were in the rear, 
with flankers on each wing. The advance con- 
sisted of a company of artillery with muskets, and 
two companies of riflemen. A company of spies 
marched four hundred yards in front of the whole, 
to bring on the engagement. Having arrived with- 
in a mile of the enemy at seven o'clock, 250 of the 
cavalry and mounted riflemen were placed in the 
rear of the centre as a corps de reserve, and the re- 
mainder were ordered to advance on the rio;ht and 
left of the infantry, and, after having encircled the 
enemy by uniting the fronts of their columns and 
keeping their rear connected with the infantry, to 



244 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

face and press inwards towards the centre, so as to 
leave • the enemy no possibility of escape. The in- 
fantry were ordered to advance by heads of com- 
panies, General Hall's brigade occupying the right 
and General Roberts's the left. 

About eight o'clock, the advance having arrived 
within eighty yards of the enemy, who were con- 
cealed in a thick shrubbery which covered the 
margin of a rivulet, received from them a heavy 
lire, which they immediately returned and then 
charged and dislodged them from their position. 
The advance now fell back, as they had been pre- 
viously ordered, to the centre. On the approach 
of the enemy, three of the militia-companies, having 
given one fire, commenced a retreat, notwithstand- 
ing the utmost exertions of their officers. To fill 
the vacancy occasioned by this retreat, Jackson im- 
mediately ordered up a regiment of volunteers ; but, 
finding the advance of the enemy too rapid to admit 
of their arrival in time, the reserve was ordered to 
dismount and meet them. This order was executed 
with great promptitude and gallantry; and the re- 
treating militia, seeing the spirited stand made by 
the reserve, immediately rallied, and, recovering 
their position, poured in upon the enemy a most 
destructive fire. The engagement now became 
general; and in fifteen minutes the Indians were 
seen flying in every direction. On the left they 
were met and repulsed by the mounted riflemen ; 
but on the right it unfortunately happened that too 
great a space had been left between the cavalry and 
infantry, by which numbers escaped. They w^ere 



BATTLES OF TALLUSHATCHES AND TALLADEGA. 245 

pursued, however, for three miles, to the mountains, 
with great slaughter. 

The force of the enemy was represented by them- 
selves at 1080, of w^hom 299 were left dead on the 
ground, and a great many were killed in their 
flight. It is believed that very few escaped without 
a wound. The American loss was 15 killed and 
80 wounded. 



246 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




EXPEDITION TO THE HILLIBEE TOWNS 
AND THE TALLAPOOSA RIVER. 

On the 11th of November, General Cocke, who 
commanded the other division of the Tennessee 
militia, ordered Brigadier-General White, with a de- 
tachment of mounted infantry and cavalry, to pro- 
ceed from Fort Armstrong, where this division was 
stationed, on an expedition against the Hillibee 
towns of the hostile Creeks, on the Tallapoosa River. 
This expedition was completely successful. They 
penetrated one hundred miles into the enemy's 
country and burned four of their villages, three of 
which they found deserted. Previous to their ar- 
rival at the fourth, they learned that a party of 
the hostile Creeks were assembled there. Having 
marched the whole of the night of the 17th, they 



EXPEDITION TO THE HILLIBEE TOWNS. 247 

surrounded and completely surprised the town at 
daylight of the morning of the 18th; and of the 
whole party, which consisted of 31G, not one escaped, 
GO being killed and the remainder made prisoners. 
The detachment now returned to camp, where they 
arrived on the 23d, having lost not one drop of 
blood in this enterprise. The country through 
which they marched was exceedingly rough and 
hilly, and they had to pass several narrow defiles, 
where it was necessary to use the utmost precau- 
tion. The troops and horses, likewise, had to be 
subsisted, in a great degree, on such supplies as 
could be procured in the enemy's country, which 
rendered their march more tardy than it would 
otherwise have been. 

The Georgia militia, though embodied before those 
of Tennessee, were not able, from the want of mili- 
tary supplies, to proceed to active operations till the 
end of November. Brigadier-General Stewart had 
been originally destined for the command, as the 
senior brigadier ; but, family considerations inducing 
him to decline its acceptance, Brigadier-General 
Floyd was appointed in his room. 

Towards the end of November, Floyd received in- 
formation that numbers of the hostile Indians were 
assembled at Autossee, a town on the southern bank 
of the Tallapoosa River, about twenty miles above 
its junction with the Coosa. He immediately left 
his camp, which was situated on the west side of 
the Chattahoochee River, and proceeded against the 
enemy with 950 militia and between 300 and 400 
of the friendly Creeks. On the evening of the 28th 
the detachment encamped within nine or ten miles 



248 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

of the place of destination, and, having resumed their 
march about one next morning, at half-past six they 
were formed for action in front of the town. The 
detachment was formed in two columns, with a rifle- 
company on each flank and a company of artillery 
in front of the right column. 

It was Floyd's intention to have completely sur- 
rounded the enemy by resting the right wing of his 
force on Canleebee Creek, at the mouth of which he 
was informed their town stood, and resting his left 
on the river-bank below the town ; but, to his sur- 
prise, as the day dawned, he perceived a second 
town about five hundred yards below that which he 
was preparing to attack. The plan, therefore, was 
instantly changed: three companies of infantry on 
the left were wheeled to the left en eclielan, and ad- 
vanced to the lower town, accompanied by a rifle- 
company and two troops of light dragoons. The 
remainder of the force approached the upper town, 
and the battle soon became general. The Indians 
presented themselves at every point, and fought 
with desperate bravery; but the well-directed fire 
of the artillery and the bayonets of the infantry soon 
forced them to take refuge in the outhouses, thickets, 
and copses in the rear of the town. Many, it was 
supposed, secured themselves in caves previously 
formed for this purpose in the high bluff of the river, 
Avhich was thickly covered with reeds and brush- 
wood. It was intended that the friendly Indians 
should have crossed the river above the town and 
been posted on the opposite shore during the action, 
to fire on such of the enemy as should attempt to 
escape, or to keep in check any reinforcements which 



EXPEDITION TO THE HILLIBEE TOWNS. 249 

might be attempted to be thrown in from the neigli- 
boring towns. Owing to the difficulty of the ford, 
however, and the coldness of the weather and late- 
ness of the hour, this arrangement failed, and their 
leaders were directed to cross Canleebee Creek and 
occupy that flank, to prevent escapes from the 
Tallissee town. Some time after the action com- 
menced, the friendly Indians thronged in disorder 
in the rear of the militia, when the hostile tribes fell 
on the flanks of the detachment and fought with 
great intrepidity. By nine o'clock, however, the 
enemy was completely driven from the plains and 
the houses of both towns wrapped in flames. 

It was impossible to determine the strength of the 
enemy; but from the information of some of the 
chiefs, which it is said could be relied on, there were 
assembled at Autossee warriors from eight towns for 
its defence, it being their beloved ground, on which 
they proclaimed no white man could approach with- 
out inevitable destruction. Neither was it possible 
to ascertain their loss ; but from the number which 
were lying scattered over the field, together with 
those destroyed in the towns and those slain on the 
bank of the river, whom respectable officers affirmed 
they saw lying in heaps at the water's edge, where 
they had been precipitated by their surviving friends, 
their loss in killed alone must have been at least 
200, among whom were the Autossee and Tallissee 
kings. The number of buildings burned is supposed 
to have been 400 ; some of them were of a superior 
order for the dwellings of savages, and filled with 
valuable articles. The Americans had 11 killed and 
54 wounded : among the latter was General Floyd. 



250 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

The detachment being now sixty miles from any 
depot of provisions, and their rations pretty nearly 
consumed, as soon as the dead and wounded were 
properly disposed of the place was abandoned, and 
the troops commenced their march back to the camp 
on the Chattahoochee : a measure the more necessary 
as they were in the heart of an enemy's country, 
which in a few days could have poured from its 
numerous towns hosts of warriors. They arrived at 
the camp in safety, having marched 120 miles in 
seven days. 

On the 9th of December another detachment of 
the Georgia militia, consisting of about 530 men, 
under the command of General Adams, marched on 
an expedition against the Creek towns on the Talla- 
poosa River. Notwithstanding the precautions which 
they used to prevent the Indians from hearing of 
their approach, they found the villages deserted, and 
were unable to bring the enemy to action, though 
their yells were repeatedly heard on both sides of 
the river. Having burned two of their villages, 
therefore, the detachment returned to camp. 



FINAL TREATY OF THE CREEKS. 



251 




TREATY OF THE HICKORT GRODSD. 



FINAL TREATY OF THE CREEKS. 

Ox the 17th of January, 1814, General Jackson, 
finding himself in a condition to commence active 
offensive operations, marched from his encampment 
at Fort Strother with 900 volunteers, who were soon 
afterwards joined by 300 friendly Indians, against an 
assemblage of Creeks at the Great Bend of the 
Tallapoosa. On the evening of the 21st he fell 
upon a large trail which indicated the neighborhood 
of a strong force. At eleven o'clock at night his 
spies came in and informed him that there was a 
large encampment of Indians at about three miles 
distance, who, from their warwhoops and dances, 
appeared to be apprized of his approach, and would 
either commence a night-attack upon him or make 



252 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

their escape. Having received this intelligence, 
General Jackson put himself in readiness to meet 
an attack or pursue them as soon as daylight ap- 
peared. 

At six o'clock in the morning a vigorous attack 
was made upon his left flank, which sustained it 
with bravery : the action continuing to rage at that 
point and on the left of the rear for half an hour. 
As soon as it became light enough to pursue, the 
left wing was reinforced by Captain Ferril's com- 
pany of infantry and led on to the charge by Gene- 
ral Coffee. The enemy was completely routed at 
every point ; and, the friendly Indians joining in the 
pursuit, they were chased about two miles with 
great slaughter. The chase being over. General 
Coffee was detached to burn their encampment; but, 
finding it fortified, he returned to the main body for 
artillery. Half an hour after his return a large 
force appeared and commenced an attack upon the 
right flank. General Coffee was permitted, at his 
own request, to take 200 men and turn the enemy's 
left; but, by some mistake, only 54 followed him. 
With these he commenced an attack on their left ; 
200 of the friendly Indians were ordered" to fall 
upon the enemy's right and co-operate with the 
general. The Creeks intended this attack on Jack- 
son's right as a feint, and, expecting to find his left 
weakened, directed their main force against that 
quarter; but General Jackson, perceiving the object 
of the enemy, had directed that flank to remain 
firm in its position, and at the first moment of attack 
they were supported by the reserve under Captain 
Ferril. The whole line met the approach of the 



FINAL TREATY OF THE CREEKS. 



253 



enemy with vigor, and, after a few fires, made a bold 
and decisive charge. The Creeks fled with precipita- 
tion, and were pursued a considerable distance with 
a destructive fire. In the mean time General Coffee 
was contending on the right with a superior force ; 
the friendly Indians who had been ordered to his 
support, seeing the enemy routed on the left, quit 
their post and joined in the chase. That being 
over, Jim Fife, with the friendly Indians, was again 
ordered to support General Coffee. As soon as he 
reached him they made a decisive charge, routed 
the enemy, and pursued him three miles. Forty- 
five of the enemy's slain were found. General Coffee 
was wounded in the body, and his aid. Colonel 
Donaldson, and three others, slain. The next day 
General Jackson commenced his return-march to 
Fort Strother. His men and horses were exhausted, 
and he was not furnished with either provisions or 
forage for a longer stay. The enemy, supposing 
they had defeated the general, hung on his rear; 
and on the morning of the 24th, as he was on the 
point of crossing Enotachopeo Creek, the front-guard 
having crossed, with part of the flank-columns and 
the wounded, and the artillery just entering the 
water, an attack commenced on the rear. The 
main part of the rear-guard precipitately gave way, 
leaving only 25 men, under Colonel Carrol, who 
maintained their ground as long as possible. There 
then remained on the left of the creek, to meet the 
enemy, the remnant of the rear-guard, the artillery- 
company, and Captain Russell's company of spies. 
Lieutenant Armstrong, of the artillery, immediately 
ordered them to form and advance to the top of the 



254 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE EEPUBLIC. 



hill, while he and a few of his men dragged up a 
six-pounder amid a most galling fire from more than 
ten times their numbers. Arrived at the top, they 
formed and poured in upon their assailants a fire of 
grape, and at length made a charge and repelled them. 
Lieutenant Armstrong, Captains Hamilton, Bradford, 
and McGovock, fell in this rencontre. By this time 
a considerable number had recrossed the creek and 
joined the chase; Captain Gordon, of the spies, 
rushed from the front and partially succeeded in 
turning the enemy's left flank. The Creeks now 
fled in the greatest consternation, throwing off their 
packs and every thing that retarded their flight, and 
were pursued for more than two miles. Twenty-six 
of their warriors were left dead on the field. Gene- 
ral Jackson's loss, in the several engagements of the 
22d and 24th, was 24 killed and 70 wounded. After 
the battle of the 24th, General Jackson was enabled 
to return to Fort Strother without further molesta- 
tion. 

The Creeks, encouraged by what they considered 
a victory over General Jackson's forces in the battles 
of the 22d and 24th of January, continued to con- 
centrate their forces and fortify themselves at the 
Great Bend of the Tallapoosa. This river forms 
the northeastern branch of the Alabama. Several 
miles above its junction with the Coosa, is a curve 
in the river in the form of a horseshoe, called by 
the wbites the Great Bend, and by the Indians 
Emucsau. The peninsula formed by the bend con- 
tains about one hundred acres, and the isthmus 
leading to it is about forty rods across ; at the bottom 
of the peninsula is the village of Tohopisca, con- 



FINAL TREATY OF THE CREEKS. 255 

taining about two hundred houses. On this peninsula 
the Indians from the adjoining districts had concen- 
trated their forces to the amount of 1000 warriors, 
with ample stores of provisions and ammunition, 
and had fortified themselves with great skill, havin,"- 
thrown up a breastwork consisting of eight tiers of 
logs w-ith double portholes across the isthmus, so 
that an assailing enemy might be opposed by a 
double and cross-fire by the garrison, who could lie 
in perfect safety behind their works. 

Considerable reinforcements of volunteers from 
Tennessee, and friendly Indians, having reached 
General Jackson on the 16th of March, he left Fort 
Strother with his whole disposable force, amounting 
to about 3000 of every description, on an expedition 
against this assemblage of Indians. He proceeded 
down the Coosa, about sixty miles, to the mouth of 
Cedar Creek, where he established a post called Fort 
Williams, and proceeded, on the 24th, across the 
ridge of land dividing the waters of the Coosa from 
the Tallapoosa, and arrived at the Great Bend on 
the morning of the 27th, having the three preceding 
days opened a passage through the wilderness of 
fifty-two miles. On the 26th he passed the battle- 
ground of the 22d of January, and left it three 
miles in his rear. General Coflfee was detached, with 
700 cavalry and mounted gun-men and 600 friendly 
Indians, to cross the river below the bend, secure 
the opposite banks, and prevent escape. Having 
crossed at the Little Island Ford, three miles below 
the bend, his Indians were ordered silently to ap- 
proach and line the bank of the river, while the 
mounted men occupied the adjoining heights, to 



256 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

guard against reinforcements, which might be ex- 
pected from the Oakfusky towns, eight miles below. 
Lieutenant Bean at the same time was ordered to 
occupy Little Island at the fording-place, to secure 
any that might attempt to escape in that direction. 
In the mean time General Jackson, with the artillery 
and infantry, moved on in slow and regular order to 
the isthmus, and planted his guns on an eminence 
one hundred and fifty yards in front of the breast- 
work. On perceiving that General Coffee had com- 
pleted his arrangements below, he oj^ened a fire 
upon the fortification, but found he could make no 
other impression with his artillery than boring shot- 
holes through the logs. General Coffee's Indians on 
the bank, hearing the roaring of the cannon in front 
and observing considerable confusion on the peninsula, 
supposing the battle to be nearly won, crossed over 
and set fire to the village and attacked the Creeks 
in the rear. At this moment General Jackson 
ordered an assault upon the works in front. The 
regular troops, led by Colonel Williams, accompanied 
by a part of the militia of General Dougherty's 
brigade, led on by Colonel Russell, presently got 
possession of a part of the works, amid a tremendous 
fire from behind them. The advance-guard was led 
by Colonel Sisler, and the left extremity of the line 
by Captain Gordon, of the spies, and Captain McMarry, 
of General Johnson's brigade of West Tennessee 
militia. The battle for a short time was obstinate, 
and fought musket-to-musket through the port- 
holes, when the assailants succeeded in getting pos- 
session of the opposite side of the works, and the 
contest ended. The Creeks were entirely routed, 



FINAL TREATY OF THE CREEKS. 257 

and the whole margin of the river strewed with the 
slain. The troops under General Jackson, and 
General Coffee's Indians, continued the work of 
destruction as long as there was a Creek to be 
found. General Coffee, on seeing his Indians cross- 
ing over, had ordered their places to be supplied on 
the bank by his riflemen ; and every Indian that 
attempted to escape by swimming the river or 
crossing the Little Island below was m.et and slain 
by General Coffee's troops. The battle, as long as 
any appearance of resistance remained, lasted five 
hours ; the slaughter continued until dark, and was 
renewed the next morning, when 16 more of the 
unfortunate savages were hunted out of their hiding- 
places and slain. Five hundred and fifty-seven 
warriors were found dead on the peninsula, among 
whom was their flimous prophet Manahell, and two 
others, the principal instigators of the war; 250 
more were estimated to have been killed in crossing 
the river, and at other places, which were not found. 
General Jackson's loss was 26 white men and 23 
Indians killed, and 107 white men and 47 Indians 
wounded. 

This was a decisive stroke. The power of the 
Creeks was crushed forever, and the miserable 
remnant of the hostile party, under their bold, 
eloquent, and indomitable chief, Weatherford, wan- 
dered about the country, hunted like wild beasts. 
Soon after the victory, General Jackson retired to 
the Hickory Ground, at which place terms of peace 
were settled, Weatherford, by his dignified conduct, 
securing an unexpected degree of favor for his 

people. 

17 



258 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



,|,,//WM|l!ij;)jj!li))ji)|lW 




BATTLE OF CPIIPPEWA. 

From this period until the commencement of July, 
1814, the hostile armies lay comparatively inactive. 
Soon after his arrival at Sackett's Harbor from 
French Mills, General Brown put his troops in 
motion for the Niagara frontier ; but, after proceed- 
ing some distance, he returned to the former post. 
At this place he remained, assiduously employed in 
disciplining and organizing his troops, until he re- 
ceived orders from the government to assemble a 
division of the army at Black Rock and Buffalo, 
with a view to the recovery of Fort Niagara, which 
still remained in the hands of the enemy, and to the 
capture of the British posts in the peninsula. His 
force, which consisted of between 3000 and 4000 
men, was composed of two brigades of regulars, wdth 
artillery, the first brigade commanded by Brigadier- 



HI;itH,tl. 



i:. 










«:/. 0,m..fy.,r 



BATTLE OF CHIPPEWA. 259 

General Scott, and the second by Brifjadior-General 
Ripley, together with a body of volunteers from 
New York and Penns3dvania, under General Porter. 
The commander-in-chief, General Brown, had re- 
cently been promoted to the rank of major-general. 
AVith this army, therefore, the best-appointed, per- 
haps, and most efficient of any that had been yet 
assembled, was the last campaign of the war on this 
frontier commenced. 

The first attack made by this force was on the 
British fort of Erie, opposite to Black Rock. On 
the 2d of July, at midnight, the whole army em- 
barked in boats from the latter place, and the next 
morning landed on the enemy's shore. Prepara- 
tions were immediately made for the assault of the 
fort; but it surrendered before the artillery could 
be planted against it. The garrison, to the num- 
ber of 137, were made prisoners of war. 

The British troops in the vicinity were at this 
period encamped in a strong position at Chippewa, 
and were supposed to amount to about 3000 men, 
who were commanded by Major-General Riall. To 
the attack of this place General Brown moved his 
army on the succeeding day, leaving behind him a 
small garrison in Fort Erie, and encamped in the 
evening in a favorable position, within two miles of 
the enemy's works. On the morning of the 5th 
the American pickets were repeatedly attacked by 
parties of the enemy; and General Porter was de- 
spatched in the afternoon to gain the rear of these 
skirmishers, and, by cutting them off, bring on an 
engagement of the main body. General Riall, about 
the same time, moved out of his works with his 



260 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



whole force, and soon fell in with General Porter's 
command. Perceiving this movement, General 
Brown ordered the first brigade and Towson's artil- 
lery to advance and engage the enemy on the plains 
of Chippewa : and in a few minutes a warm action 
commenced. 

The left of the American position was occupied 
by General Porter's brigade of volunteers, who, un- 
able to withstand the fire of the British regulars, 
gave way, and exposed that flank of General Scott's 
brigade. To prevent the enemy from assailing it. 
General Brown now ordered up the brigade of Gene- 
ral Ripley, with directions to skirt the wood on the 
left and endeavor to gain the rear of the British 
right. After a most severe and arduous conflict. 
Major Jessup, who commanded a battalion on the 
left flank, succeeded in gaining a position, from 
whence he opened so galling a fire as to cause the 
enemy's right to fall back. In the mean time the 
brigade of General Scott had continued to advance 
against the powerful resistance of the enemy, who 
now, finding his efibrts repulsed at every point, gra- 
dually retired, until he reached the sloping ground 
in the vicinity of Chippewa, where, being hard 
pressed by the victors, his retreat was changed into 
a rapid and disorderly flight. The advance of the 
Americans was, however, checked by the batteries 
at Chippewa, behind which the British troops had 
rallied. General Brown now ordered up the artil- 
lery, with a view of forcing the works; but, finding 
the day to be nearly spent and the batteries of the 
enemy strongly fortified, he drew off" his forces and 
retired to the camp. 



BATTLE OF CHIPPEWA. 261 

In proportion to the numbers engaged, the loss of 
men in this action was unusually great. The official 
report of General Brown stated the killed, wounded, 
and missing of the American army to amount to 
328. That of the British troops appears, from the 
statement of General Drummond, to have amounted 
to 133 killed, 320 wounded, and 46 prisoners, among 
whom were many officers of rank. Few of the 
American officers were wounded, and not one killed, 
although their conduct was such as to call forth the 
highest encomiums of their commander. Generals 
Scott and Ripley, and Majors Jessup, Leavenworth, 
and McNeill,, and many others, were specially noticed, 
in the official report, in terms of high praise. 



262 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




BATTLES OF BRIDGEWATER AND 
NIAGARA. 

On the 25th of July, 1814, General Brown was 
informed that the British army had moved to 
Queenstown in considerable force, and was landing 
a party at Lewistown for the purpose of attacking 
the town of Schlosser and capturing the stores of 
his army. With the expectation of drawing him 
off from this attempt, General Scott was despatched 
on the road to Queenstown, with his own brigade, 
Towson's artillery, and the dragoons. At four in 
the afternoon this detachment moved from the 
camp, and, having proceeded about two miles, dis- 
covered the enemy posted on an eminence of con- 
siderable strength at a place called Bridgewater, 
having the Queenstown Road in their front, the 
position being defended by a formidable battery of 



BATTLES OF BRIDGEWATER AND NIAGARA. 263 

nine pieces of artillery. Between this post and 
General Scott's advance was a narrow strip of wood, 
lie immediately determined to attack the enemy, 
and, after despatching an express to camp for a 
reinforcement, formed his small party in a plain in 
front of the British position. The artillery, under 
Captain Towson, opened a cannonade, which was 
returned by the enemy's batteries with great effect ; 
and an action commenced and was supported more 
than an hour, by the first brigade, against greatly- 
superior numbers. The 11th and 22d regiments, 
having expended their ammunition, fell back, both 
of their commanding and most of the inferior 
officers being wounded. The brunt of the engage- 
ment then fell on the 9th, commanded by Colonel 
Leavenworth, which suffered severely from the 
enemy's fire. In the mean time the 25th regiment, 
under Major Jessup, which had been placed on the 
right of the American line, finding the road which 
led to the rear of the enemy's left unoccupied, 
moved along it, and threw itself on the rear with 
such signal success as to capture General Riall and 
many other officers and to cause the flight of a great 
part of their Une. The enemy's batteries, however, 
still continued a heavy fire, before which the ranks 
of General Scott's brigade were rapidly thinning; 
and, reduced as it was in numbers, it was evident 
that it could not withstand the assault of a fresh 
body of troops which the British commander, 
ignorant of the small amount of troops opposed to 
him, had ordered up. In this critical situation of 
afiairs, day being now spent and its light partially 
supplied by the moon, the second brigade, under 



264 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

General Ripley, arrived in time to retrieve the 
fortune of the day. Hearing, while at the camp, 
the fire of musketry and cannon, it was immediately 
put in motion, and received orders from General 
Brown to advance to the support of the first 
brigade, to which it immediately hastened. Tlie 
order was rapidly complied with; and, when the 
troops arrived on the field, General Ripley was 
directed by General Brown to form on the right of 
the first brigade. Perceiving the exhausted state 
of that body and the nature of the enemy's position, 
General Ripley determined to depart from his 
orders, a literal compliance with which would, in 
all probability, have placed his brigade in the same 
dangerous situation with that of General Scott. He 
saw that the position of the enemy's artillery on 
the eminence was the great source of annoyance to 
the American army, and unless that should be 
carried their defeat might be considered as certain. 
He determined, therefore, to place his own brigade 
between that of General Scott and the enemy's 
battery and endeavor to get possession of the latter. 
Forming, therefore, the two regiments of which his 
brigade was composed in the intended situation, he 
directed Colonel Miller to lead the 21st regiment 
immediately up to the cannon, while he himself, at 
the head of the 23d, moved to the attack of the 
infantry on the left. This order was executed by 
the 21st with a degree of gallantry never exceeded 
in any previous combat, and which shed the highest 
glory upon that regiment and its gallant commander. 
In a few moments the enemy's cannon were in his 
possession ; and such was the valor of the assail- 



BATTLES OF BRIDGEWATER AND NIAGARA. 265 

ants and the resolution of the enemy that the 
artillery-men were bayoneted while in the act of 
firing their pieces. Exactly at the same moment 
General Ripley, with the 23d regiment, which had 
at first faltered before the destructive fire of the 
enemy, attacked the infantry and drove them from 
the crest of the eminence. The enemy's position 
was thus gained, after a most sanguinary contest ; 
and the line of the second brigade formed in front 
of the captured cannon, with the 1st regiment and 
General Porter's volunteers on the left and the 25th 
regiment on the right, the American artillery being 
between that regiment and the 23d. 

Mortified by his expulsion from the eminence, and 
having received an accession of fresh troojDs, the 
enemy now brought up his whole force and made a 
resolute and determined attempt to recover his posi- 
tion. He was received with equal gallantry by the 
second brigade, and, after a close contest of bayonets, 
was driven down the hill. The attack was renewed 
a second time with no better success; and at last, 
about midnight, a third and final attempt was made, 
which was not defeated until after great loss on both 
sides. The firing then ceased in every direction, 
the British troops having been withdrawn, leaving 
their opponents in possession of the field. Tlie 
brigade of General Scott had, while this contest 
was continued, been reformed, and, passing through 
an opening of General Ripley's line, made an un- 
successful charge upon the enemy's right flank ; and 
afterwards, participating in the conflict, it took post 
on the left. 

In this severe engagement Generals Brown and 



266 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

Scott were both wounded and compelled to leave 
the field. The command therefore devolved upon 
General Ripley, who, with this information, received 
directions from General Brown to collect the wounded 
and return to camp. Unfortunately, no means were 
at hand for the removal of the captured artillery. 
Most of the horses had been killed, and the troops 
were so much exhausted as to render the removal 
of the cannon by hand impracticable. They were, 
therefore, reluctantly left on the ground, having 
been previously spiked and otherwise injured. The 
wounded being collected and the shattered remains 
of the army consolidated, the line of march was 
taken up in good order for the camp. The loss of 
men was remarkably equal in number on both 
sides ; but, from the inferior numerical force of the 
Americans, it fell more severely on them. 

Of the British 84 were killed, of whom 5 were 
officers, 559 wounded, including Generals Drum- 
mond and Riail and 39 other officers, and 234 
missing and prisoners : in all, 878. Of the Ame- 
ricans 860 were killed, wounded, or missinji. 



PLUc-T' 




SIEGE OF FORT ERIE. 



2G7 




SIEGE OF FORT ERIE. 

The capture of Major-General Riall and many 
other of the enemy's officers was owing to the enter- 
prise and skill of Major Jessup, — one of the most 
gallant and accomplished of soldiers, -whose humanity 
was as strongly displayed on this occasion as his 
valor. To the judgment of General Ripley and the 
unsurpassed steadiness of his brigade, particularly 
of the 21st regiment, under Colonel Miller, the final 
success of the day seems to have been greatly owing; 
and the storming of the heights of Bridgewater will 
long be remembered among the most gallant achieve- 
ments in the American annals. 

The remains of the army having been marched 
back to the camp. General Ripley received directions 
from General Brown to refresh the troops and return 
to the field of battle in the morning, there to be 



268 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

governed by circumstances. Accordingly, at dawn 
on the succeeding day the troops were put in motion 
for that purpose ; but General Ripley, having ascer- 
tained that the enemy was strongly posted in front 
and his line nearly double that of the Americans, 
his own force being reduced to 1600 men, resolved 
to disobey his instructions and avoid a contest with 
an enemy of such superior force. He therefore 
broke up his camp at Chippewa, and, destroying the 
bridges in his rear, retreated to Fort Erie, and 
immediately proceeded to strengthen and extend its 
defences. 

This wise and judicious retreat, which was severely 
censured at the time, probably saved the remains 
of this gallant army from entire destruction. The 
enemy, to the number of about 5000 men, soon 
afterwards followed his footsteps and appeared before 
Fort Erie, to which they began to lay a regular 
siege. In the mean time, by the indefatigable ex- 
ertions of the American troops, the fort was put in 
a better state of defence, although still imperfect. 
The main camp of the enemy was distant about two 
miles from the American fortifications, around which 
they now commenced a double line of intrench- 
ments, supported by block-houses. 

On the 5th of August — the day after the com- 
mencement of the siege — General Gaines arrived 
from Sackett's Harbor, and, being the senior officer, 
took the command. From this day to the 14tb 
nothing material occurred, the enemy being em- 
ployed in cannonading the American batteries and 
drawing closer their lines of circumvallation. At 
length, on the evening of that day, an unusual 




GENERAL TOWSON. 



270 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

degree of activity being observed in the British 
camp, it was conjectured that an assault would be 
attempted ; and preparations were therefore made 
to receive it. At two in the morning of the 15 th 
the British troops moved from their intrenchments 
in three columns, — the right under Colonel Fischer, 
the centre and left under Colonels Drummond and 
Scott, The approach of the right column was soon 
perceived on the American left, which was defended 
by the 21st regiment and Towson's artillery, be- 
tween whom and the enemy only a line of loose 
brush intervened. The column was permitted to 
approach within a short distance, when so destruc- 
tive a fire was opened upon it that it fell back in 
confusion. The attempt was four times renewed, 
with no greater success ; and the enemy at last 
broke and fled to the encampment. 

In the mean time the left and centre columns 
had advanced at the same moment to the assault. 
The former were received by the 9th regiment, the 
artillery of Captain Douglass, and two companies of 
volunteers, of New York and Pennsylvania, and 
retreated after the first fire. The efforts of the 
centre column, however, were more steady and suc- 
cessful. Being covered in a great measure by a 
ravine, they suddenly emerged, and, placing scaling- 
ladders to the wall, ascended the parapet, and, after 
a sanguinary struggle, in which they were twice 
repulsed, succeeded for a short time in establishing 
themselves in the bastion. At this moment an 
explosion took place under the platform which de- 
stroyed great numbers of both armies and caused 
the sudden and confused flight of the enemy, whose 



SIEGE OF FORT ERIE. 271 

numbers were thinned in their retreat by the x\me- 
rican artillery. 

In this sanguinary and protracted contest, which 
continued until after daylight, the British troops 
suffered very severely. According to the official 
report of their commander, 57 were killed, including 
Colonels Scott and Drummond, the leaders of the 
left and centre columns, 319 wounded, and 5o9 
missing, of whom about 200 were taken prisoners. 
The American loss amounted to but 84 in killed, 
wounded, and missing. Among the killed, however, 
were Captain Williams and Lieutenant McDonough 
of the artillery, both officers of great promise. 

After this repulse the British troops lay com- 
paratively inactive for a considerable period. A 
cannonading was, indeed, kept up on both sides, 
without material consequences. By the bursting 
of a shell General Gaines received a wound that 
obliged him to retire from the command, which then 
devolved on General Ripley, and was retained by 
him until the 2d of September, when General Brown, 
having recovered from his wounds, resumed it. 

The batteries of the enemy began now to appear 
every day more formidable ; fresh troops were con- 
stantly arriving; and every thing indicated an 
unfavorable destiny for the garrison of Fort Erie. 
Considerable anxiety was consequently excited in 
the public mind for the fate of these brave men. 
Reinforcements were, however, on the march from 
Plattsburg, which was itself menaced by Sir George 
Prevost. The fire from the batteries continuing to 
be very severe. General Brown resolved upon a 
sortie for the purpose of effecting *heir destruction. 



272 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




^.Vl 



GENERAL PORTER. 



The British force consisted of three brigades of 
about 1500 men each, one of which was alternately 
stationed at the batteries, while the other two 
remained at the camp, two miles distant. The 
object proposed in the sortie was the destruction of 
the cannon and the defeat or capture of the brigade 
on duty before the arrival of the reserve. The 
17th of September was fixed upon for this enter- 
prise. At noon of that day the troops moved out 
of the fort, in two divisions. The left, commanded 
by General Porter, and consisting of the riflemen 
and Indians under Colonel Gibson, and two columns, 



SIEGE OF FORT ERIE. 275 

one under General Davis, the other under Colonel 
Wood, proceeded, by a road nearly opened through 
the forest, to the enemy's right. The right division, 
under General Miller, was stationed in the ravine, 
between the fort and the hostile lines, with direc- 
tions not to advance until General Porter should 
have reached the enemy's flank. 

The left division advanced with so much celerity 
that the enemy were completely surprised. A 
severe conflict, however, ensued, which in thirty 
minutes ended in the capture of the batteries and 
garrison, with the loss of Colonels Gibson and Wood, 
both of whom fell, gallantly fighting, at the head of 
their columns. The noise of the firing reaching 
the division of General Miller, he immediately 
moved forward, and succeeded, after a close and 
desperate contest, in carrying the batteries opposed 
to him, and took possession of their block-houses. 
He was now joined by General Ripley, who took 
the command; and, the remaining battery having 
been captured, the troops were employed in destroy- 
ing the enemy's works and spiking his cannon. 
At this moment General Ripley received a severe 
wound, and the command devolved upon General 
Miller. The object of the sortie being accomplished, 
the whole body returned to the fort, bringing with 
them 380 prisoners, and having destroyed the fruits 
of forty-seven days' labor. 

From the spirited resistance of the enemy, the 
loss sustained by the assailants was, as may be sup- 
posed, severe. Of killed the number amounted to 
79, among whom was General Davis, of the New 
York militia; 232 were wounded, and 21G missing. 

18 



274 BATTLE-FIELDS OF TEE REPUBLIC. 

The official report of the British commander acknow- 
ledged a loss of 609 men, 115 of whom were killed, 
178 wounded, and 316 prisoners. The enemy 
claimed a victory; but their retreat, which took 
place a few days afterwards, palpably contradicted 
this pretension. 

The reinforcements from Plattsburg, amounting 
to nearly 5000 men, which had taken a circuitous 
route and were delayed a considerable time, arrived 
on the 9 th of October at Fort Erie, and the com- 
mand of the whole force then devolved upon Major- 
General Izard. The enemy having fallen back 
behind the Chippewa, that officer moved from Fort 
Erie on the 14 th, with the design of bringing him 
to action. On the 18th General Bissell was de- 
spatched with about 900 men to destroy the enemy's 
stores at Lyon's Creek, which service he executed 
after a sharp contest with a detachment from the 
enemy's army of about 1200 men under the Mar- 
quis of Tweedale, which he succeeded in repulsing. 
The army of General Izard had, in the mean time, 
advanced towards Chippewa, where it found the 
enemy strongly posted in an intrenched camp, from 
which various attempts were made to entice him, 
without success. The season being now far ad- 
vanced, it was determined to withdraw the army to 
the American shore. Fort Erie being thei^fore 
destroyed. General Izard evacuated the Canadian 
territory, and distributed his troops at the posts of 
Buffiilo, Black Rock, and Batavia : and thus termi- 
nated the third and last invasion of the peninsula 
by the American forces. 



BATTLES OF PLATTSBURG AND LAKE CIIAMPLAIN". 275 




M ' 11 X U Q H. 



BATTLES OF PLATTSBURG AND LAKE 
CHAMPLAIN. 

In the mean time, events occurred in other quar- 
ters of the Union no less honorable to the Ameri- 
can arms. Sir George Prevost, Governor-General of 
Canada, having collected all his disposable force for 
an invasion of the Union as far as Crown Point, 
entered the country on the 1st of the month and 
occupied the village of Champlain. There he issued 
proclamations tending to dissuade the people from 
their allegiance, and inviting them to furnish the 
army with provisions for their further progress. 
General Macomb was then at Plattsburg, with 
about 2000 American troops, many of whom were 
militia. He made able dispositions of his small force, 
and prepared for a determined resistance to the pro- 
gress of Prevost. Simultaneously with their opera- 
tions on land, the enemy prepared their Heet for 
action on Lake Champlain. 

The American fleet, under Commodore McDo- 



276 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



iiough, lay at anchor in Burlington Bay, on the 
right flank of the American lines, and two miles 
distant. Great exertions had been made by both 
parties to produce a superior naval force on this 
lake, — the Americans at Otter Creek, and the British 
at the Isle aux Noix. On comparing their relative 
strength on the 11th of September, the American 
fleet consisted of the Saratoga, flag-ship, mounting 
26 guns; Eagle, 20 guns; Ticonderoga, 17 guns; 







BUBLINOTON BAT. 



Preble, 7 guns; six galleys of two guns each, 12 
guns ; four of one, 4 guns : making in the whole 86 
guns and 820 men. The British fleet consisted of 
the frigate Confiance, flag-ship, mounting 39 guns; 
Linnet, 16 guns; Cherub, 11 guns; Finch, 11 guns; 
five galleys of two guns each, 10 guns ; eight of one, 
8 guns : making in the whole 95 guns and 1020 men. 



.12. 




.3 3 







BATTLES OF PLATTSBURG AND LAKE CHAMPLAIN. 277 

The British-land forces employed themselves from 
the 7th to the 11th in bringing up their heavy artil- 
lery and strengthening their works on the north bank 
of the Saranac. Their fortified encampment was on 
a ridge a little to the west of the town, their right 
near the river, and their left resting on the lake, one 
mile in the rear of the village. Having determined 
on a simultaneous attack by land and water, they 
lay in this position on the morning of the 11th, 
waiting the approach of their fleet. At eight o'clock 
the wished-for ships appeared under easy sail, mov- 
ing round Cumberland Head, and were hailed with 
joyous acclamations. At nine o'clock they anchored 
within three hundred yards of the American squa- 
dron, in line of battle, — the Confiance opposed to tlie 
Saratoga, the Linnet to the Eagle, thirteen British 
galleys to the Ticonderoga, Preble, and a division of 
the American galleys, the Cherub assisting the Con- 
fiance and Linnet and the Finch aiding the galleys. 
In this position, the weather being perfectly clear 
and calm and the bay smooth, the whole force on 
both sides became at once engaged. About an hour 
and a half after the commencement of the action the 
starboard guns of the Saratoga were nearly all dis- 
mantled. The commandant ordered a stern-anchor 
to be dropped and the lower cable cut, by means of 
which the ship rounded to and presented a fresh 
broadside to her enemy. The Confiance attempted 
the same operation and failed. This was attended 
with such powerful effects that she was obliged to 
surrender in a few minutes. The whole broadside 
of the Saratoga was then brought to bear on the 
Linnet, and in fifteen minutes she followed the ex- 



278 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

ample of her flag-ship. One of the British sloops 
struck to the Eagle ; three galleys were sunk, and 
the rest made off. No ship in the fleet being able to 
follow them, they escaped down the lake. There 
was no mast standing in either squadron at the close 
of the action to which a sail could be attached. The 
Saratoga received fifty-five round-shot in her hull 
and the Confiance one hundred and five. The action 
lasted without any cessation, on a smooth sea, at 
close quarters, two hours and twenty minutes. In 
the American squadron 52 were killed and 58 
wounded. In the British, 84 were killed and 110 
w^ounded. Among the slain was the British com- 
mandant. Commodore Downie. This engagement 
was in full view of both armies and of numerous 
spectators collected on the heights bordering on the 
bay to witness the scene. It was viewed by the in- 
habitants with trembling anxiety, as success on the 
part of the British would have opened to them an 
easy passage into the heart of the country and ex- 
posed a numerous population on the borders of the 
lake to British ravages. When the flag of the Con- 
fiance was struck, the shores resounded with the 
acclamations of the American troops and citizens. 
The British, when they saw their fleet comjDletely 
conquered, were dispirited and confounded. 

At the moment of the commencement of the naval 
action, the British, from their works on shore, opened 
a heavy fire of shot, shells, and rockets, upon the 
American lines. This was continued with little in- 
terruption until sunset, and returned with spirit and 
effect. At six o'clock the firing on the part of the 
British ceased, every battery having been silenced 



BATTLES OF PLATTSCURG AND LAKE CIIAMPLAIN. 279 




GENERAL MACOMB. 



by the American artillery. At the commencement 
of the bombardment, and while the ships were en- 
gaged, three desperate efforts were made by the 
British to pass the Saranac, for the purpose of carry- 
ing the American lines by assault. With this view, 
scaling-ladders, fascines, and every implement neces- 
sary for the purpose, were prepared. One attempt 
was made to cross at the village-bridge, one at the 
upper bridge, and one at the ford-way, three miles 
above the works. At each point they were met at 
the bank by the American troops and repulsed. At 
the bridges the American regulars immediately drove 
them back. The ford was guarded by the volun- 



L 



280 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

teers and militia. Here a considerable body of 
British effected a passage, and the militia retired 
into the neighboring woods, where their operations 
would be more effectual. A whole company of the 
76th regiment was here destroyed, three lieutenants 
and 27 men taken, and the captain and the rest of 
the company killed. The residue of the British were 
obliged to recross the river with precipitation and 
considerable loss. 

At dusk the British withdrew their cannon from 
the batteries ; at nine o'clock sent off all the artillery 
and baggage for which they could procure transports ; 
and at two the following morning the whole army 
precipitately retreated, leaving their sick and wound- 
ed behind. Great quantities of provisions, tents, 
intrenching-tools, and ammunition, were also left. 
Much was found concealed in the ponds and creeks 
and buried in the ground. Their retreat was so 
sudden, rapid, and unexpected, that they arrived at 
Chazy, a distance of eight miles, before their de- 
parture was known to the American general. The 
light troops and militia were immediately ordered 
out in pursuit, but were unable to make many pri- 
soners. Upwards of 300 deserters came in within 
two or three days after the action, w4io confirmed 
the account of Prevost's precipitate flight, and as- 
sisted in discovering the property they had con- 
cealed and left behind. The American loss on land 
during the day Avas 37 killed and 82 wounded and 
missing. General Macomb's official report estimates 
the British loss in land and naval forces since their 
leaving Montreal, in killed, wounded, prisoners, de- 
serters, and missing, at 2500. 



BATTLES OF PLATTSBURG AND LAKE CHAMPLAIN. 281 

The British Rrmy engaged in this expedition con- 
sisted of 14,000 men. The precijoitate retreat of so 
numerous and well-appointed an army from before a 
force of 1500 regulars and 3000 militia, suddenly 
called together, was unaccountable and wholly un- 
expected. General Prevost endeavored to justify 
himself to his government by imputing it to the loss 
of the fleet. But no active co-operation was or could 
be expected from their respective fleets by either 
army. The real ground was that the valor of the 
American troops in defence of their soil had con- 
vinced the British general that an attempt to pene- 
trate the country and carry his original plans into 
eflect would be attended with defeat and disgrace. 



282 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



«?$)^==^ Ci, 




BLADE NSBUBO. 



BATTLE OF BLADENSBURG AND CAP- 
TURE OF THE CAPITAL. 

In the Chesapeake great devastation was com- 
mitted, in revenge, as was stated, for outrages upon 
the Canadians. Early in the year the General Go- 
vernment had received information that a powerful 
armament was preparing to make a descent upon 
the country in the vicinity of the Chesapeake; and 
measures for defence were taken. General Winder 
was placed in command of the land-forces called 
into the field for the defence of Washington, and 
Commodore Barney in command of a flotilla of gun- 
boats in the bay. 

In August the British fleet, under Admiral Coch- 
rane, conveying a large army, under Major-General 



BATTLE OF BLADENSBURG. 283 

Ross, arrived at the mouth of the Potomac. By 
great exertions General Winder was enabled to 
collect at Bkidensburg about 5000 men, 350 of 
whom were regulars, and several hundred marines 
and seamen from Commodore Barney's flotilla. The 
British troops were landed, and about noon on the 
29th of August reached Bhidensburg. An obstinate 
contest ensued, in which the British suffered a severe 
loss but compelled the Americans to give way. 

As the militia retired, the British regulars ad- 
vanced upon the main road, and, coming immediately 
in front of Commodore Barney's flotilla, he opened 
an eighteen-pounder upon them, which cleared the 
road, and for a time disordered their column and re- 
tarded their approach. Two other attempts made 
by the enemy to pass the battery were also repulsed, 
and General Ross marched a division of his troops 
into an open field with a determination to flank the 
commodore's right. This attempt also was frustrated 
by Captain Miller, of the marines, with three twelve- 
pounders, and the men of the flotilla acting as in- 
fantry. After being thus kept in check about half 
an hour, General Ross began to outflank the right 
of the battery in large numbers, and pushed about 
300 men upon General Smith's brigade, which, after 
exchanging a shot or two, fled as precipitately as the 
brigade of General Stansbury. In the panic pro- 
duced by this disorderly retreat the drivers of the 
ammunition-wagons fled also, and Commodore Bar- 
ney's small command was left to contend against the 
whole force of the enemy with less than one com- 
plete round of cartridge. To add to the general mis- 
fortune and to increase the difificulties even of retir- 



284 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



ing with credit, he had received a severe wound in his 
thigh, and his horse had been killed under him ; two 
of his principal officers were killed and Captain Miller 
and Sailing-master Martin wounded. The places of 




G E N E K A L SMITH. 



these could be promptly supplied from the men act- 
ing as infantry ; but the means of repulsing the 
enemy were expended, and the British infjintry and 
marines were by this time completely in the rear of 
the battery. Thus situated, the commodore gave 



CAPTURE OF THE CAPITAL. 285 

orders for a retreat, and, after being carried a short dis- 
tance from the scene of his gaUantr^-, he fell exhausted 
by the loss of blood, and was soon after made prisoner 
by General Ross and Admiral Cockburn, who put 
him on his parole, and, having first removed him to 
their hospital at Bladensburg, ordered the immediate 
attendance of their surgeons to dress his wound. 

Having thus obtained possession of the pass of the 
bridge over the eastern branch of the Potomac, the 
enemy marched directly upon the capital, and im- 
mediately proceeded to the destruction of all the 
spacious and splendid edifices by which it wns 
adorned. The Senate-house, the Representative- 
hall, the Supreme Court room, the President's house, 
with all its exterior and interior decorations, and 
the buildings containing the public Departments, 
were very soon demolished, and several private 
houses burned to the ground. The plunder of in- 
dividual property was prohibited, how^ever, and 
soldiers transgressing the order w^ere severely pu- 
nished. The principal vengeance of Admiral Cock- 
burn — on whom, if the safety of the citizens' dwell- 
ings had alone depended, if he is to be judged by 
his former conduct, they would have rested on a 
slender guarantee — was directed against the printing- 
office of the editor of a newspaper, from whose press 
had been issued frequent accounts of the admiral's 
depredations along the coast. 

The navy-yard, as well as a new first-rate frigate 
and a sloop-of-war, were destroyed by order of Go- 
vernment upon the approach of the enemy, to pre- 
vent the immense public stores, munitions, and 
armaments deposited there from falling into his 



286 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

hands. The Patent-office alone, in which were col- 
lected the rarest specimens of the arts of the country, 
escaped the insatiate vengeance of a foe whose de- 
stroying arm was directed against the most superb 
monuments of architectural skill and public munifi- 
cence. The public documents and official records, 
the flags and various other trophies of the repeated 
triumphs of the American arms, and the specie from 
all the banks in the district, had previously been 
placed beyond the reach of the invaders, and they 
returned from an irruption which excited the in- 
dignation of all parties in the Union and drew 
forth the deprecations of the principal nations in 
Europe. 

The President and the heads of Departments, all 
of whom had visited the rendezvous of the troops at 
Bladensburg the day before the battle, finding that 
the force which had been hastily assembled did not 
amount to the number called for by the requisitions 
upon the adjacent States, returned to the metropolis 
to make arrangements for the augmentation of Gene- 
ral Winder's army. This duty, which in times of less 
danger required the exercise of great energy, could 
not be performed before the enemy had encountered 
and defeated the corps already collected. The cap- 
ture of these officers would have caused at least a 
temporary derangement of the Government, and, in 
order that its functions might be resumed imme- 
diately after the departure of the enemy, they retired 
from the metropolis upon his approach. General 
Winder had also withdrawn with the remnant of his 
force to Montgomery Court-house ; the citizens were 
incapable of opposing the hostile operations of the 



CAPTURE OF THE CAPITAL. 287 

British commanders ; and the capital was therefore 
entirely at their mercy. 

That division of the enemy's fleet which ascended 
the Potomac, consisting of eight sail, upon which were 
mounted 173 guns, and commanded by Captain Gor- 
don, was directed to attack the city of Alexandria. 
As they approached up the river, the commander of 
Fort Warburton, Captain Dyson, destroyed that post 
and retired with his artillerists, and the British squad- 
ron passed up to the city without annoyance or im- 
pediment. The people of Alexandria surrendered 
their town and obtained a stipulation, on the 29th 
of August, from the British commander that their 
dwellings should not be entered or destroyed. The 
condition upon which this stipulation was made re- 
quired the immediate delivery to the enemy of all 
public and private naval and ordnance stores ; of all 
the shipping and the furniture necessary to their 
equipment then in port ; of all the merchandise of 
every description, whether in the town or removed 
from it since the 19th of the month ; that such mer- 
chandise should be put on board the shipping at the 
expense of the owners ; and that all vessels which 
might have been sunk upon the approach of the 
enemy should be raised by the merchants and de- 
livered up, with all their apparatus. These hard and 
ungenerous conditions were complied with ; and, on 
the Gth of September, Captain Gordon moved off with 
a fleet of prize-vessels, which, as well as his frigates 
and other vessels of war, contained cargoes of booty. 
In descending the river he was warmly opposed, and 
received considerable damage from two batteries, at 
the White House and at Indian Head, under the 



288 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

respective commands of Captains Porter and Perry, 
of the navy, the former assisted by General Hunger- 
ford's brigade of Virginia militia infantry and Cap- 
tain Humphrey's company of riflemen, from Jeffer- 
son county, and the latter by the brigade of General 
Stewart and the volunteer companies of Major Peter 
and Captain Birch. The batteries, however, not 
being completed, and mounting but a few light 
pieces, could not prevent the departure of the enemy 
with his immense booty, though they kept up an 
incessant fire from the 3d until the 6th of the month 
upon the vessels passing down on each of those days. 
Commodore Rodgers, too, aided by Lieutenant New- 
combe and Sailing-master Ramage, made frequent 
attempts to destroy the enemy's shipping by ap- 
proaching him within range of musket-shot with 
several small fire-vessels. After the communication 
of the fire a change of wdnd prevented these vessels 
from getting in between the British frigates, though 
they excited much alarm among the fleet, whose 
men were actively employed in extinguishing the 
flames. These respective forces were afterwards 
concentrated, and Commodore Rodgers took jDosses- 
sion of Alexandria, with a determination to defend 
it, notwithstanding its surrender, against another 
attempt of the enemy, whose fleet was not yet out 
of sight of the nearest battery. 



ATTEMPT OF THE BRITISH ON BALTIMORE. 



289 




BOMBARDMENT OF FORT MCHENKV. 



ATTEMPT OF THE BRITISH ON 
BALTIMORE. 

After the embarkation of the troops under Gene- 
ral Ross, whose loss at Bladensburg amounted to 
nearly 1000 men in killed, wounded, jDrisoners, 
deserters, and those who died of fatigue, Admiral 
Cochrane concentrated the various detachments of 
his fleet, and made preparations for an attack upon 
the city of Baltimore. 

As the powerful armament approached, the alarm 
spread quickly through the adjacent country, and a 
large volunteer force collected, under Major-General 
Smith. The troops intended for the land-attack 
were debarked upon North Point, fourteen miles 
below the city, and, on the morning of the 12th of 

19 



290 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

September, nearly 8000 soldiers, sailors, and marines, 
had effected a landing, while sixteen bomb-vessels 
and frigates proceeded up the river and anchored 
•within two miles and a half of Fort McHenry. 

General Smith detached General Strieker, with 
part of his brigade, on the North Point Road, and 
Major Randal, with riflemen and musketry, to the 
mouth of Bear Creek, to check the progress of the 
enemy. The light parties of the Americans were 
driven in, and the force, under General Strieker, 
was soon engaged with greatly-superior numbers. 
After an hour and twenty minutes' fighting, the 
Americans were compelled to retire to the high 
grounds in their rear. The enemy did not pursue. 
General Strieker was reinforced, and the Americans 
prepared their whole line of intrenchments and 
batteries for their reception. On the 13th the 
British army came in sight of the main body of 
the Americans and manoeuvred in their front, driv- 
ing in the vedettes. But, seeing the strength of the 
defences and the skilful dispositions of General 
Smith, they did not attack. In the mean time the 
British vessels bombarded Fort McHenry, which 
was bravely defended by its garrison, commanded 
by Major Armistead. The vessels sufiered con- 
siderably from the fire of the American batteries. 
About midnight on the 13th the British army re- 
treated to the point at which it landed, and re-em- 
barked. The next day the fleet dropped down the 
river. The British lost 700 men and their general, 
Ross J the Americans, 175. 



ATTACK ON FORT BOWYER. 



291 




ATTACK ON FORT BOWYER AND CAPTURE 
OF PENSACOLA. 

In the mean time an attack was made on the 
remote Southern coast, which was the prelude to an 
invasion of a more important nature. After the 
conclusion of the contest with the Creeks, the head- 
quarters of General Jackson were removed to Mobile, 
where, about the end of August, he received in- 
formation that a body of 300 British troops, with an 
immense quantity of the munitions of war, had 
arrived at Pensacola, in three armed vessels, and 
had marched into the fort at that place, then in the 
possession of the Spanish; and that an additional 
force of thirteen sail-of-the-line, and 10,000 trooj-s, 
was daily expected. From Pensacola Colonel 
Nicholls, the commander of the British forces, soon 
after issued a proclamation, addressed to the inhabit- 
ants of Louisiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee, recom- 
mending to them to "throw off the yoke under 



292 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



which they had been so long groaning and put an 
end to the unnatural war by which they were op- 
pressed." 

About the same period, also, an attempt was made 
by the same officer to engage in his service a band 
of lawless pirates who had formed an establish- 
ment on the island of Barrataria, within the limits 
of Louisiana. The efforts of the American govern- 
ment had been hitherto unavailing to destroy this 
nest of outlaws. Mixing with the sanguinary 
audacity of the buccaneer the address and caution 
of the snmggler, they had contrived, for a long time, 
under the government of a chief named Lafitte, to 
overawe or elude the expeditions sent against them. 
To these marauders the British officer made a pro- 
posal of union and alliance, communicating at the 
same time important information with respect to 
his designs ; but, although proscribed by the Ame- 
rican government, which had set a price upon his 
head, Lafitte would not consent to act the part of a 
traitor. Instead of accepting the British offers, he 
immediately made the whole known to Governor 
Claiborne, of Louisiana. Struck with this proof of 
magnanimity, that officer promised a general pardon 
to the whole band, on condition of their engaging 
in defence of the country, at that time menaced by 
invasion, — an offer which was joyfully accepted by 
the Barratarians, who from that time rendered 
eminent services to the Eepublic, distinguishing 
themselves particularly at the defence of New 
Orleans. 

The three vessels which had arrived at Pensacola, 
joined by another, soon after sailed from that port 



ATTACK OX FORT B0T7TER. 293 

for Mobile, and on the 15th of September appeared 
off Fort Bowjer. Mobile Bay is about thirty miles 
long, and of considerable breadth ; but its entrance 
is only five miles broad, and is completely com- 
manded by Fort Bowyer, which is situated at the 
extreme point on the east side of the bay. The 
fort was occupied by a small garrison, commanded 
b}^ Major Lawrence. 

The British squadron, consisting of two ships and 
two brigs, appeared in sight about noon of the 15th, 
standing directly for the fort. About four o'clock 
in the afternoon the battery was opened upon them. 
The fire was immediately returned from all the ves- 
sels. A force of 110 marines, commanded by 
Colonel Nicholls, 200 Creek Indians, headed by 
Captain Woodbine, of the British navy, and about 
20 artillerists, which had been previously landed in 
the rear of the fort, opened a fire upon it from a 
twelve-pounder and a howitzer; but they did no 
execution and were soon silenced by a few shot. 
The action continued without intermission on either 
side for nearly three hours, when three of the ves- 
sels were compelled to retire. The commodore's 
ship, which mounted twenty-two thirty-two-pound 
carronades, having anchored nearest the fort, had 
her cable cut by the shot, and was so much disabled 
that she drifted on shore, within six hundred yards 
of the battery ; when, the other vessels being out of 
reach, such a tremendous fire was opened upon her 
that she was set on fire and abandoned by such of 
her crew as survived. Of a crew of 170 men the 
commander and 20 men only escaped. On board 
of the other ship 85 were killed and wounded ; one 



294 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

of the brigs also was very considerably damaged, 
but her loss was not ascertained. The effective 
force in the fort was about 120 men; their loss was 
only 4 killed and 5 wounded. During the hottest 
part of the action the flagstaff was shot away, but 
the flag was immediately regained, under a heavy 
fire of grape and canister, hoisted on a sponge-stalf, 
and planted on the parapet. The land-forces re- 
treated by land to Pensacola. 

The unprecedented conduct of the Governor of 
Pensacola, in harboring and aiding the British and 
their Indian allies and in allowing them to fit out 
expeditions against the United States from that port, 
had been forcibly remonstrated against by General 
Jackson, but hitherto without effect. Having been 
reinforced by about 2000 Tennessee militia, who 
had marched to Mobile through the Indian country, 
Jackson advanced to demand of the Spanish autho- 
rities in Pensacola redress for thus violating the 
rules of neutrality. He reached the vicinity of that 
post on the afternoon of the Gth of November, and 
immediately sent a flag to the governor to com- 
municate the object of his visit. The flag was fired 
on and forced to return. Nothing remained now 
but to take possession of that post, which had been 
so long a source of annoyance to the United States. 
General Jackson accordingly commenced the attack 
early on the 7th. The encampment of the Ame- 
rican army being to the west of the town, it was 
natural for the enemy to suppose that the attack 
would be made in that quarter ; a detachment of 500 
men, however, was ordered to move in that direction, 
while, with the main body, he gained an opposite 



CAPTURE OF PENSACOLA. 



295 



and unexpected point, and, by hastening rapidly on, 
entered the town before the garrison was aware of 
his approach. They were unexpectedly saluted, 
however, by a battery formed in the street, which, 
after a few volleys, was carried at the point of the 
bayonet ; and the Spanish and British troops were 
soon driven from all their positions. The governor 
then surrendered the town and forts unconditionally, 
and soon after signed a capitulation by which Pen- 
sacola and its dependencies were delivered up to the 
United States. The British, in evacuating the bay, 
destroyed the fortress of the Barrancas ; and General 
Jackson returned with his troops to Mobile. 




296 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




FORTIFYING OF NEW ORLEANS. 



BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 

The projected attack upon New Orleans, which 
it was now certain the British would attempt, in- 
duced General Jackson to proceed to that city with 
his troops. He accordingly'- left Mobile on the 22d 
of November, and arrived at New Orleans on the 
2d of the succeeding month. In the situation in 
which he found that city, abundant occasion existed 
for the display of those warlike talents and that 
mental energy with which he was eminently gifted. 
The population was composed of a mixture of various 
nations, among whom there was little bond of union; 
and, the country having been but recently trans- 
ferred to the Republic, there was perhaps- less 
national attachment than in any other quarter. 
Discontent and apprehension pervaded a great j)©!"- 



t'lar-e,/ 





■ \ 



li:/.:Orn,'l>y 



BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 297 

tion of the community ; the city corps refused to 
turn out on the requisition of General Flournoy ; 
and even the legislature of the State, then in ses- 
sion, encouraged them in their disobedience. Added 
to this, the important post to be defended was ap- 
proachable in various quarters, and the troops 
stationed at each of these points were insufficient to 
defend them. But the intrepid spirit of General 
Jackson was unappalled in the midst of the difficul- 
ties with which he was surrounded. He immedi- 
ately adopted the most decided and efficient measures 
for the defence of the place. He visited in person 
every point at which an invading enemy might be 
opposed, and left no point unfortified that could at 
all conduce to the great ol)ject of defence. T!ie 
grand approach by the Mississippi was secured by 
batteries, and the inlets and bayous were obstructed 
by all possible means. The active and energetic 
measures and the confident tone of the commandino: 
general revived the spirits of the inhabitants of 
Louisiana, which had fallen at the prospect of inva- 
sion by so numerous an army as that which it was 
ascertained was on their coast; and all the true 
lovers of their country in the State floclved to his 
banner, and declared their intention of standing by 
him till the British were expelled from their shores 
or they had died for their countr}^ Upon the lakes 
to the east of the town a small force of five gun- 
boats, under Lieutenant Jones, had been collected, 
which, in the narrow passes, would, it was supposed, 
be competent to repel any force that could be con- 
veniently brought against them. 

Information having been received earlv in Decern- 



298 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



ber of the arrival of sixty sail of vessels oflf Ship 
Island, Lieutenant Jones made sail for the passes 
leading into Lake Pontchartrain, where they might 
be opposed to advantage. On the 14th the enemy 
were discovered, moving, in forty-three gun-boats, 
with 1200 men, to the attack of Lieutenant Jones's 
small force, which, consisting of five gun-boats, as 
mentioned above, and 180 men, lay becalmed in an 
unfavorable position. After a gallant resistance of 
an hour against such an overpowering superiority 
of force, the American flotilla was compelled to sur- 
render, with the loss of about 40 killed and w^ounded. 
That of the assailants was, from concurrent circum- 
stances, believed not to have been less than 300. 
This gave the British the command of Lakes Pont- 
chartrain and Borgne. 

The capture of the gun-boats, upon which General 
Jackson had depended greatly as a means of defence 
as well as of the transmission of intelligence, made 
it necessary to use greater exertions than before on 
the land. The militia of New Orleans was called 
out 671 masse ; and measures which nothing but the 
urgent necessity of the case could justify were 
adopted. An embargo was laid on all vessels in the 
harbor; the negroes were impressed and compelled 
to work on the fortifications; and, on the 16th, 
martial law, of the most rigid nature, was proclaimed 
by General Jackson. The rigid police which this 
last measure enabled him to exert soon freed the 
city from the disaffected, the spies, and the traitors, 
with which it had abounded ; and the citizens arose 
as one man and labored day and night at the fortifi- 
cations. 



BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 299 

By his command of Lake Borgne the enemy had 
it in his power to approach New Orleans by any of 
the numerous bayous and canals leading to the Mis- 
sissippi. Most of these had been obstructed with 
great care. Unfortunately, however, a pass, called 
the Bayou Bienvenue, which was little known and 
used only by fishermen, was left open, and unde- 
fended except by a picket-guard. Guided by some 
traitors, the enemy, on the 23d, came suddenly on 
the American guard through that secret passage, 
and, having made them prisoners, pushed rapidly 
on, and, by two o'clock in the afternoon, reached the 
bank of the river. This intelligence being conveyed 
to General Jackson, he resolved immediately to 
attack them. Having therefore collected about 
2000 men, he marched at five in the afternoon to 
meet the enemy, and at seven came in sight of them, 
encamped on the bank of the river, and engaged in 
preparing their evening repast. The enemy's force 
on shore amounted to about 3000 men, and extended 
half a mile on the river, and in the rear to a wood. 
Their position being thus exposed to an attack from 
the water, it was determined that a fire should be 
opened upon it from Commodore Patterson's schooner, 
the Caroline, at the same time that General Coffee, 
with his brigade, assailed their right, and General 
Jackson, with the remainder of the force, attacked 
the strongest part of the position, near the river. 
The darkness of the night preventing a discovery, 
the Caroline gained her position, and opened a heavy 
and galling cannonade, the seamen being lighted to 
the slaughter by the enemy's own camp-fires. This 
was the first intimation that the British had of the 



300 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

approach of an enemy. At the same moment the 
brigade of General Coffee rushed impetuously on 
their right and entered their camp, while the force 
of General Jackson assailed their front and left with 
equal ardor. Though taken by surprise and several 
hundred killed or w^ounded, the enemy were not yet 
defeated. Extinguishing their fires, they came boldly 
forward into action. A thick fog arising shortly 
after the commencement of the engagement. General 
Jackson deemed it most prudent to call off his 
troops; and, having lain on the field all night, he 
retired in the morning to a stronger position, about 
two miles nearer the city. His loss was 24 killed, 
115 wounded, and 74 missing; that of the British 
was 46 killed, 162 wounded, and 64 missing. 

The position now taken by General Jackson occu- 
pied both banks of the river. On the eastern bank, 
a ditch containing five feet water, which had been 
dug for agricultural purposes, reaching from the 
river to the swamp, was now made use of for an im- 
portant military purpose. On its northern bank in- 
trench ments were thrown up, and large quantities of 
cotton-bales were so arranged as to protect the troops 
effectually from the enemy's fire. These works were 
well mounted with artillery. On the western bank 
of the river a heavy battery of fifteen cannon 
enfiladed the whole front of the position on the 
eastern bank. This battery was manned by Com- 
modore Patterson, with the crews of part of his 
squadron, and near him General Morgan was sta- 
tioned with a body of militia. 

■ In the mean time the enemy, who had suffered 
severely from the fire of the Caroline, took advantage 



BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 301 

of her running aground on the 27th, set her on fire 
and destroyed her by means of hot shot. On the 
28th, the British commander-in-chief, Sir Edward 
Packenham, having landed with the main body of 
his army and a large train of artillerj^, advanced 
within half a mile of the American works and com- 
menced a furious attack with rockets, bombs, and a 
heavy cannonade. The fire, however, from the 
batteries and an American vessel, the Louisiana, 
caused so much destruction that, after a severe con- 
test, the British general drew off his troops with con- 
siderable loss. On the 1st of January, 1815, the 
invaders made another attempt to force General 
Jackson's fortifications. They had in the night 
erected a battery, and early in the morning opened 
a brisk cannonade, making, at the same time, two 
bold efforts to turn his left wing; but they were 
again repulsed, with the loss of about 70 men. 
Shortly after this event both armies were reinforced, 
— that of General Jackson by the arrival of 2500 
Kentuckians, under General Adair, and that of the 
invaders by General Lambert, with 4000 men. The 
American force now consisted of about 7000 men, 
most of them indifierently armed; that of the 
British of about 12,000, all of whom were veterans, 
well appointed, and commanded by able and expe- 
rienced officers. With great labor, the British gene- 
ral completed, on the 7th of January-, a canal from 
the bayou to the Mississippi, by which he was 
enabled to transport the necessary number of boats 
and troops to the attack of the works on the 
western side of that river. The American com- 
mander hud, in the mean time, not been deficient in 



302 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

preparation. His works had now been completed. 
The defences on the eastern bank were manned with 
the Tennessee and part of the Kentucky militia, 
under the personal command of General Jackson. 

Early in the morning of the 8th of January — a 
day which will ever be memorable in the annals of 
the Republic — the British commander, having de- 
tached Colonel Thornton with a strong body to the 
west bank, moved to the assault with the remainder 
of his force, in two columns, under Generals Gibbs 
and Keane, the reserve being commanded by Gene- 
ral Lambert. They approached with determined 
countenances, slowly but firmly, accompanied by 
detachments carrying fascines and scaling-ladders. 
The former were designed to fill up the ditch, and 
with the latter they intended to mount the ramparts. 
When they arrived within nine hundred yards, the 
Americans commenced a heavy and incessant can- 
nonade, which mowed them down with terrible 
slaughter. But they still moved on with a firm 
step, invariably supplying the place of the fallen 
with fresh troops. At length they came within 
reach of the American small-arms. Then com- 
menced a stream of sucli well-directed and destruc- 
tive fire that, after losing hundreds in the vain 
attempt to advance, they broke, and retreated in 
confusion. In the endeavor to rally them their 
commander-in-chief. Sir Edward Packenham, was 
killed. A second time did the British columns 
advance to within a short distance of the ditch, 
with the same ill success. The cannon thundered 
from every battery, the Tennessee rifles were 
levelled with deadly aim, and grape-shot and shells 



BATTLE OF XETT ORLEANS. 



303 



were scattered as thick as hailstones over the plain. 
The British again faltered, and again were pressed 
forward by their officers. But all their efforts suc- 
ceeded only in leading their veteran soldiers to 
destruction : the men shrunk from a contest in 
which they saw nothing but immediate slaughter. 
The columns broke and retreated in confusion. A 




third but equall}^ unavailing attempt was made by 
the British officers to bring them up to the charge. 
The loss of the commander-in-chief, the disability 
of Generals Gibbs and Keane, who were severely 
wounded, and the sight of the plain, covered as it 
was with the bodies of near 2000 dead and wounded, 
operated in checking any further advance. General 
Lambert, on whom the command now devolved, 



304 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

finding that no hope remained of a successful result, 
collected together the broken remnants of this once- 
formidable array and retired to the encampment. 

In the mean time the detachment under Colonel 
Thornton, after landing on the west bank, imme- 
diately attacked the American works. The Ken- 
tucky militia, believing themselves to be outflanked, 
retreated, leaving the enemy in possession of their 
works. This post completely commanding that on 
the opposite bank, its occupation by the enemy 
would have proved of the most serious detriment to 
General Jackson, had he not, by a dexterous strata- 
gem, induced him to abandon it. General Lambert 
having proposed an armistice, to continue till twelve 
o'clock, in order to enable him to remove his dead 
from the field of battle, the proposition was agreed 
to by the American commander, with a condition, 
however, that it should not extend to the west bank, 
to which no reinforcements were to be sent by either 
party. Deceived by this reservation, and supposing 
that a large American force was already on that 
bank. General Lambert ordered Colonel Thornton to 
withdraw his troops, and it was immediatelj' re- 
occupied by General Jackson. 

Li this battle the British loss was 293 killed, 
1267 wounded, and 484 missing or prisoners, in- 
cluding almost all the commanding officers ; while 
of the Americans only 13 were killed, 39 wounded, 
and 19 missing. This sjDlendid and most important 
victory was thus rendered doubly gratifying, from 
the reflection that it was clouded by the loss of so 
few of those by whose exertions it was achieved. 

From New Orleans the whole British fleet pro- 



BATTLE OF NETT ORLEANS. 



305 



ceeded to Mobile Bn}', where they took possession 
of Fort Bowyer, which was garrisoi)ed l)y 375 men, 
— a number so small when compared with that of the 
force sent against them as to render resistance un- 
availing. The further prosecution of their schemes 
of conquest was arrested about this time by the news 
of peace, which being soon after confirmed ofTiciall}', 
the territory of the United States was evacuated by 
the British. 



, ,-^ -^ ^ yij - 




20 



306 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




PRESIDENT AND ENDYMION. 

Evert attempt to escape from the blockade of the 
frigates United States and Macedonian and the sloop- 
of-war Hornet, at New London, having failed, until 
the only season at which they could possibly escape 
had elapsed, the Hornet was ordered to remain at 
her station as a guard-ship, while the frigates were 
to be moved up New London River to the head of 
navigation for heavy vessels, and there to be dis- 
mantled. Commodore Decatur and the crew of the 
United States were transferred to the frigate Presi- 
dent, then moored at New York. In the course of 
the winter a cruise to the East Indies was deter- 
mined on at the Navy Department, to be performed 
by a squadron consisting of that frigate, the sloop- 
of-war Peacocli, then also at New York, the sloop-of- 
war Hornet, and the Tom Bowline, a merchant ves- 
sel bought into the service as a store-ship. The 
Hornet was, therefore, directed to proceed to the 
same harbor. 



PjM^DENT AND ENDYMION. 307 

On the night of the 18th of November, 1814, Cap- 
tain Biddle passed the blockading squadron without 
being discovered, and joined Commodore Decatur at 
New York. That port had been also constantly 
blockaded, and several frigates, sloops-of-war, and a 
razee, were at that time cruising off the Hook. 

On the 14th of January, Commodore Decatur, 
thinking it more likely to get to sea with the Presi- 
dent singly, directed Captain Warrington to follow 
him with the Peacock and Hornet as soon as the 
Tom Bowline was in readiness, and, having assigned 
the island of Tristun d'Acunha as the first place of 
rendezvous, proceeded to the bay with a view of 
escaping from Sandy Hook in the night. In conse- 
quence of the negligence of the pilot, the President 
stx'uck upon the bar, and remained there thumping 
upwards of two hours. This accident caused her 
ballast to shift; and, when extricated from this situa- 
tion by the rise of the tide, it was discovered that 
she had entirely lost her trim. The course of the 
wind forbidding her return to port, the commodore 
determined, nevertheless, upon running out to sea, 
and did not doubt but she would soon recover that 
ease in sailing for which she had been long celebrated. 
At daylight he fell in with the British squadron, 
composed of the Majestic, (razee,) the frigates Endy- 
mion, Tenedos, and Pomone, and the despatch-brig, 
which immediately gave chase. The President was 
lightened as much as possible; but the superior sail- 
ing of the enemy's ships enabled them to gain rapidly 
upon her, and the leading frigate, the Endymion, of 
forty-nine guns and mounting twenty-four-pounders 



308 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



on her gimdeck, got close under her quarters and 
commenced firing. 

Commodore Decatur, finding that the Endymion 
was cutting up his rigging without his being able 
to annoy her, determined to bear up and engage, and 
if possible to run her on board, and, in the event of 
carrying her, to sail off and abandon the President. 
But the enemy manoeuvred to avoid this plan, and 
the conflict continued two hours, and ended in silenc- 
ing and beating off the Endymion with her hull and 
rigging much cut up, her masts and spars badly in- 
jured, and a great proportion of her crew killed and 
wounded. The President was also considerably 
damaged, and lost 25 men killed and 60 wounded, — 
among the former. Lieutenants Babbit and Hamilton 
and Acting-Lieutenant Howel ; among the latter, the 
connnodore, and Midshipman Dale, who lost a leg, 
and died of his wounds at Bermuda. 

By this time the rest of the squadron came within 
two miles of the President. The Endymion had 
hauled off to repair, and Commodore Decatur made 
another effort to escape. But in three hours the 
Pomone and Tenedos lay alongside, and the M.ijes- 
tic and Endj-mion were within a short distance of 
him. The gallant commodore, not choosing to sacri- 
fice the lives of his crew in a useless contest with a 
squadron of ships mounting not less than one hun- 
dred and ten guns, received the fire of the nearest 
frigate, and surrendered. He was taken on board 
the Endymion, to whose commander he refused to 
deliver his sword when required, alleging that if 
they had been singly engaged that officer would in- 
evitably have been captured, and that he had struck 



PRESIDENT AND ENDTMION. 



309 



to the whole squadron. The enemy, however, 
asserted that the President had been conquered by 
the Endymion alone, that the damage was sustained 
in a storm which rose up after the battle, and, hav- 
ing repaired both vessels, sent the prize from Ber- 
muda to England under her convoy. There she 
was lightened and laid in dock alongside an old 
seventy-four, which was deeply laden to give her 
a smaller appearance in the water than the Pre- 
sident. 




310 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




CONSTITUTION, CYANE AND LEVANT. 

The United States frigate Constitution, which 
had been some time repairing at Boston for a cruise, 
sailed from that port on the 17th of December, 1814, 
still under the command of Captain Stewart. After 
cruising in various parts of the ocean and in the 
track for outward and homeward bound convojs 
until the 20th of February, she fell in with two 
strange men-of-war-sail at ten minutes past one p.m. 
on that day. One of these, being to windward, was 
bearing up for the Constitution, and at half past two 
displayed signals and squared away to the westward 
to join her consort. The Constitution set every rag 
in chase, and a few minutes before three commenced 
firing from her forward guns on the gundeck. At 
a quarter-past three the main-royal-mast of the Con- 
stitution was carried away, and enabled the enemy's 
vessels to distance her fire. Before five a new royal- 
mast was completed, and a little while after the 
breeze freshened, and the ship to leeward tacked to 
the southward under all sail. At six the two ships 



CONSTITUTIOX, CYANE AND LEVANT. 311 

hauled to on the larboard tack, in line, and in 
ten minutes the Constitution ranged ahead of the 
sterninost, brought her on tlie quarter, her consort 
on the bow, at two hundred yards' distance, and 
opened a broadside, which was immediately re- 
turned. 

An exchange of broadsides continued until the 
three ships were completely enveloped in smoke, 
upon the clearing away of which the Constitution 
found herself abreast of the headmost ship, and Cap- 
tain Stewart ordered both sides to be manned, backed 
topsails, and dropped into his first position. The 
ship on the bow backed sails also. The Constitu- 
tion's broadsides were then fired from the larboard 
battery, and in a few minutes the ship on the bow, 
perceiving her error in getting sternboard, filled 
away with an intention of tacking athwart the bows 
of the Constitution, and the ship on the stern fell 
off, perfectly unmanageable. The Constitution then 
filled away in full pursuit of the former, came within 
one hundred yards of her, and gave her several raking 
broadsides. She made all sail before the wind with 
a view to escape; and Captain Stewart, knowing her 
crippled situation would enable him to overhaul her 
at any time after securing her consort, wore round 
and ranged alongside the latter ship, from which a 
gun was fired to leeward to signify that she had sur- 
rendered. Possession was then taken, by Lieutenant 
Hoffman, of his Britannic Majesty's frigate Cyane, 
Captain Gordon Falcon, of thirty-four guns, thirty- 
two-pound carronades. Her commander and olli- 
cers being brought on board, Captain Stewart 
sailed in chase of the other vessel, and in a short 




■;.ii:(!/ff 11,1,1 



CONSTITUTION, CYANE AND LEVANT. 313 

time discovered her standing for him on tlie weather- 
bow. 

In a few minutes the enemy fired a broadside, which 
being instantly returned, he tacked ship, made all sail, 
and at that moment received a rake from the star- 
board broadside of the Constitution. Upon gaining- 
his wake, Captain Stewart opened a fire from his 
gundeck chase-guns with such effect that the enemy 
hove to and surrendered, with five feet water in 
his hold, his masts tottering, and nothing but the 
smoothness of the sea preventing them from goin"- 
overboard. Lieutenant Ballard was sent on board, 
and took possession of his Britannic Majesty's ship 
Levant, Captain Douglass, of eighteen thirty-two- 
pound carronades and two large twelve-pounders. 

The loss on board the Cyane and Levant amount- 
ed to 40 men killed and nearly double that number 
wounded; on board the Constitution, where no 
other spar was lost than the foretop-gallant-yard, 
four men were killed and eleven wounded. On the 
10th of March Captain Stewart entered the harbor 
of Port Praya with his prizes, and on the 11th a 
British squadron, consisting of the Leander, Sir 
George Collier, the Newcastle, Lord George Stewart, 
neither of them carrying less than sixty guns, and 
the frigate Acasta, Captain Kerr, of forty-ibur guns, 
which had sailed from the eastern coast of the 
United States in quest of the Constitution, appeared 
off its entrance. Captain Ste\vart immediately made 
sail, escaped from the harbor with his squadron, 
and was closely pursued by the enemy's three 
ships. After a long and perilous chase the Con- 
stitution and Cyane escaped their pursuers and 



314 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



arrived safely in the United States; but the Levant, 
after whom all sail was made by the enemy's ships, 
ran into Port Praya, with a heavy fire of broadsides 
from the Leander and Newcastle, to put herself under 
the protection of the neutral port. Tlie neutrality 
of the Portuguese was not regarded by the British 
squadron, however, and they recaptured the Levant 
and carried her into Barbadoes. 




HORNET AND PENGUIN. 




ESCAPE OF THE HORNET. 



HORNET AND PENGUIN. 

A FEW days after the departure of tlie President 
from New York, the Peacock, Hornet, and Tom 
Bowline left that harbor without knowing of her 
capture. On the third day after sailing from Sandy 
Hook, (the 23d of January,) the Hornet parted 
company with the Peacock and Tom Bowline and 
directed her course towards the island of Tristan 
d'Acunha, the first-designated rendezvous for the 
squadron. On the 23d of March she descried the 
British brig Penguin, Captain Dickenson, of eighteen 
guns and a twelve-pound carronade, to the south- 
ward and eastward of the island. This vessel had 
been fitted out and 12 supernumerary marines put 
on board, with whom her crew amounted to 132 
men, to cruise for the American privateer Young 
Wasp. 



316 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

Captain Biddle immediately made sail, cleared 
the island, and hove to, until the Penguin, at the 
same time coming down, should be within striking- 
distance. At forty minutes past one p.m. the Pen- 
guin hauled her wind on the starboard tack, hoisted 
English colors, and fired a gun at musket-shot dis- 
tance. The Hornet immediately luffed to, sent up 
an ensign, and gave the enemy a broadside. A con- 
stant fire w^as kept up for fifteen minutes, the Pen- 
guin all that time gradually nearing upon the Hornet, 
when Captain Dickenson gave orders to run her on 
board, and was killed by a grape-shot before he saw 
them executed. Lieutenant McDonald, upon whom 
the command of the Penguin then devolved, bore 
her up, and, running her bowsprit in between the 
main and mizzen-rigging of the Hornet, ordered 
his crew to board. His men, however, seeing the 
Hornet's boarders not only ready to repel them, but 
waiting for orders to jump upon the Penguin's deck, 
refused to follow him. At that moment the heavy 
swell of the sea lifted the Hornet ahead, and the 
enemy's bowsprit carried av/ay her mizzen-shrouds 
and spanker-boom, and the Penguin hung upon the 
Hornet's quarter-deck with the loss of her foremast 
and bowsprit. Her commander then called out that 
he had surrendered. Though he was not distinctly 
understood. Captain Biddle ordered his marines to 
cease firing, and demanded of the Penguin whether 
she had struck. An officer of the Hornet discovered 
a man taking aim at Captain Biddle after the sur- 
render, and called to him to avoid the fire. He had 
scarcely done so when a musket-ball struck the cap- 
tain in the neck, severely wounding him, and pass- 



m^- iMnaiiklll'i^'T'll ':«. 




,11' i!;. iii'iiii 

i,|il|i|;f[!, 



\h^ 






m::,. 'If 



'i'ii 









ini''''iii;.'r':'iiMi.i;'' 



318 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

ing through his coat-collar. Two marines, to whom 
the man was pointed out who had discharged his 
piece at their commander, immediately fired at and 
killed him before he brought it from his shoulder. 
The Penguin just then got clear of the Hornet, and 
the latter wore round to give the enemy a fresh 
broadside, when her commander called out a second 
time that he had surrendered. The severest exer- 
cise of authority became necessary to prevent the 
Hornet's crew, who were incensed at the enemy's 
firing after he had struck, from discharging the 
broadside. Twenty-two minutes after the com- 
mencement of the action she was taken possession 
of by Mr. Mayo, of the Hornet. The Penguin was 
so much injured that Captain Biddle determined 
upon taking out her crew and scuttling her; after 
doing which he sent his prisoners to St. Salvador in 
the Tom Bowline, by which vessel and the Peacock 
he was joined on the 25th of the month. In 
this action the Penguin lost 14 men killed and 28 
wounded ; the Hornet, one killed and 11 wounded ; 
among the latter, her first lieutenant, Connor, dan- 
gerously. 

Having bent a new suit of sails and repaired his 
rigging, Captain Biddle was in a perfect condition to 
prosecute the cruise, and, together with the Peacock, 
after waiting the. full time for Commodore Decatur 
at the island of Tristan d'Acunha, sailed on the 12th 
of April for the Cape of Good Hope. On the 27th 
they discovered a British ship-of-the-line with an 
admiral's flag. The Peacock and Hornet imme- 
diately separated and made all sail in different 
directions from the stranger, who came up in pur- 



HORNET AND PENGUIN. 



319 



suit of the latter. The chase commenced at about 
two o'clock of the 27th and continued until ten in the 
morning of the 30th, during which time the enemy's 
bow-guns were continually fired, his vessel fre- 
quently gained upon and was as often dropped by 
the Hornet; and Captain Biddle, after throwing 
overboard every heavy article at hand, and all his 
guns but one, at length eifected his escape, and went 
to St. Salvador for the purpose of refitting. On his 
arrival there he gained intelligence of the conclusion 
of hostilities between the two nations, and, soon after 
sailing thence, returned to the United States about 
the latter end of July and was promoted to the 
rank of post-captain. 




.320 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF TEE REPUBLIC. 




CAPTAIN W A K R I N O T N. 



PORTER'S CRUISE IN THE PACIFIC. 

The intelligence of Captain Porter's exploits had 
at length occasioned a force of the enemy to be sent 
in pursuit of him. Soon after his arrival at Val- 
paraiso, the Phoebe, a British frigate of thirty-eight 
guns, and a sloop-of-war, appeared off the port, 
having been fitted out expressly to meet the Essex. 
They entered the harbor to obtain provisions, and, 
having effected this, again stood out and cruised off 
the port for about six weeks. Their united force 
was much greater than that of Captain Porter, the 
Essex Junior being of but little utility in action. 



porter's cruise in the pacific. 321 

At length, on the 28th of March, the Essex made 
an attempt to get to sea with a favorable wind. 
The enemy's vessels were close to the shore, and 
Captain Porter expected to be able to pass to wind- 
ward of them. Unfortunately, however, in round- 
ing the point, the American vessel was struck by a 
squall, which carried away her main-topmast. Thus 
crippled, escape to sea was impossible ; and, as it 
was equally difficult to reach the harbor, Captain 
Porter ran into a small bay and anchored within 
pistol-shot of the shore. In this situation it was to 
have been expected that the ordinary rules of war- 
fare, which forbid an attack upon an enemy lying 
within a neutral territory, would have been observed. 
It was, nevertheless, soon perceived that Captain 
Hillyar, the English commander, was determined to 
avail himself of the opportunity offered, without 
regard to the rights of sovereignty of the local 
government. The Essex was prepared for action 
with all possible despatch ; but, before a spring could 
be put upon her cable to enable her to bring her 
broadside to bear, the attack was commenced. The 
British commander, desirous of capturing the Essex 
with as little loss to himself as possible, placed his 
frigate, the Phoebe, under her stern, while the Cherub 
took a position on her bows. The latter, soon find- 
ing the fire of the Essex too warm, bore up and ran 
also under her stern, where both ships kept up a 
heavy and raking fire. Captain Porter continued 
the action for a considerable time with three long 
twelve-pounders, being all the guns which he found 
it possible to bring to bear on the enemy, when, 
finding his crew falling flist around him, he cut his 

21 



322 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



cable and ran down on the enemy with the intention 
of laying the Phoebe on board. For a short time a 
close and sanguinary action ensued; but, the superior 
equipment of the British frigate enabling her to 
choose her distance, she edged off and continued so 
heavy a fire from her long guns that Captain Porter 
determined to run his ship ashore. He was, how- 
ever, disappointed in this hope by the wind setting 
off the land, and, after an unequal and hopeless 
contest of three hours, was compelled to give the 
painful order to strike the colors. 

The loss of the Essex in this engagement was 58 
killed, 06 wounded, and 31 missing, most of the 
latter escaping to the shore by swimming; that of 
the British was said to be only 5 killed and 10 
wounded. Both of the enemy's vessels, as well as 
the Essex, were so much crippled that it was with 
difficulty they were enabled to reach the port of 
Valparaiso. Captain Porter and his crew were 
paroled and permitted to return to the United States 
in the Essex Junior, her armament being previously 
taken out. On arriving off the port of New York 
they w^ere overhauled and detained by the Saturn 
razee. Being thus treated. Captain Porter told the 
boarding-officer that he gave up his parole and con- 
sidered himself a prisoner of war, and as such should 
use all means of escape. In consequence of this 
threat the Essex Junior was ordered to remain all 
night under the lee of the Saturn ; but the next 
morning Captain Porter put off in his boat, though 
thirty miles from shore, and, notwithstanding he 
was pursued by the Saturn, effected his escape and 
landed safely on Long Island. His reception in the 



WASV AND REINDEER. 323 

United States was such as his great services and dis- 
tinguished valor deserved. 

On the 29th of April the sloop-of-war Peacock, 
of eighteen guns, commanded by Captain Warring- 
ton, fell in with and, after an action of forty-two 
minutes, captured the British brig-of-war Epervier, 
of a like number of guns and 128 men, of whom S 
were killed and 15 wounded. The Peacock was 
deprived of the use of her foresail and foretopsail in 
the early part of the action, but received no other 
injury, 2 men only being slightly wounded. The 
prize had on board one hundred and twenty thousand 
dollars in specie, which was transferred to the Pea- 
cock, and both vessels arrived in safety in the United 
States. 

About this period the sloop-of-war Wasp, of 
eighteen guns, commanded by Captain Blakely, 
sailed from Portsmouth on her first cruise. After 
capturing seven merchant-men, she encountered, on 
the 28th of June, the British brig-of-war Reindeer, 
of nineteen guns and 118 men. After a series of 
manoeuvres on the part of the latter, by which a 
close action was for a long time prevented, a warm 
engagement commenced, which was continued with 
great spirit on both sides for upwards of two hours, 
during which the enemy several times attempted to 
board, but was as often. repulsed. The crew of the 
Wasp now boarded with great ardor, and in a few 
minutes resistance ceased and the British flag was 
hauled down. Owing to the proximity of the two 
vessels and the smoothness of the sea, the loss on 
both sides was severe. That of the Americans was 
5 killed and 21 wounded j while the British lost 25 



324 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



killed, including Captain Manners, and 42 wounded. 
The Reindeer was so much injured that it was 
found necessary to set her on fire. 

Captain Blakelj, continuing his cruise, about the 
1st of September discovered a fleet of merchant-men 
under convoy of a seventy-four-gun ship. One of 
them was taken, and, after removing her cargo, was 
set on fire. On the same evening he fell in with 
and captured the British sloop-of-war Avon, of 
twenty guns. The appearance of a British squadron 
compelled him to abandon his prize, which sunk 
soon after the removal of her crew. 

The damage sustained in this action being soon 
repaired, Captain Blakely continued his cruise, and, 
on the 23d of September, captured the British brig 
Atalanta, which he sent into the United States. 
From this period no tidings ever reached the Republic 
of this gallant ship. Whether she foundered in 
darkness and tempest, or perished in a conflict with 
an enemy, has never been ascertained. 




SEMINOLE WAR. 



325 




SEMINOLE WAR. 

Just after the close of the last war with Great 
Britain, when the British withdrew their military 
force from the Floridas, Edward Nicholls, formerly 
a colonel, and James Woodbine, a captain, in the 
British service, who had both been instrumental in 
exciting the Indians and negroes of the South to hos- 
tilities, remained in the territory for the purpose of 
forming combinations against the Southwestern fron- 
tier of the United States. To the Creeks, who had 
ceded their lands to our Government by General 
Jackson's treaty of August, 1814, Nicholls repre- 
sented that they had been defrauded, that the 
treaty of Ghent had provided for the restoration of 
their lands, and that the British government was 
ready to enforce their claims. He even went so far 
as to assume the character of a British agent, with 
powers from the commencement for supporting their 
pretensions. 

To effect their purposes, Nicholls and Woodbine 
established a fort on the Appalachicola River, be- 
tween East and West Florida, as a rendezvous for 



326 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

runaway negroes and hostile Indians, In July, 
1816, about 400 negroes and Indians were collected 
at this place, which was strong by its position, forti- 
fied with twelve pieces of artillery, and well provided 
with ammunition and provisions. 

To dislodge this horde of outlaws. Colonel Clinch, 
with a detachment of United States troops and 500 
friendly Indians, under the command of Mcintosh, 
proceeded from the head-waters of the Appalachi- 
cola and laid siege to the fort on the land side. 
Nicholls and Woodbine first exacted an oath from 
their followers not to sufter an American to ap- 
proach the fort alive, and then, giving it up to them, 
went off. 

To supply Colonel Clinch's forces with munitions 
and provisions for the siege, two schooners from 
New Orleans, by permission of the Spanish autho- 
rities at Pensacola, proceeded up the Appalachicola, 
under convoy of two gun-boats, on the 10th of July. 
When near the fort, a watering-party of seven men 
from the schooners was surprised by an ambuscade 
of negroes : five M^ere killed, one escaped, and one 
was captured, tortured, and put to death. The gun- 
boats, having but a twelve-pounder and 25 men each, 
were deemed insufficient by Colonel Clinch to attack 
the fort, and their commander was cautioned against 
attempting any offensive operations. Not deterred 
by this, he warped up sufficiently near to reach it, 
and, on commencing the firing of hot shot, one of 
them entered the principal magazine and blew up 
the fort. 

The destruction was complete : 270 of the enemy 
were killed, most of the remainder were badly 



SEMINOLE WAR. 327 

wounded, and only three of the whole number 
escaped unhurt. An immense quantity of arms and 
munitions of war, designed for supplying the Indians 
and negroes with the means of annoying the frontier- 
settlers, fell into the hands of the conquerors ; and 
two chiefs, who had directed the torture of Ameri- 
can prisoners, were given over to the tender mercies 
of Mcintosh's Indians. The savage horde of West 
Florida was thus broken up. 

In East Florida an enemy of the same description 
was engaged in a similar system of operations. This 
province of Spain had become the receptacle of a 
population of the vilest character. The Spanish 
authorities had no control over them beyond the 
limits of their fortified posts. The most numerous 
occupants of the interior were the Seminole Indians, 
outcast runaivays, as their name indicates, from the 
Creeks. Their allies were the Red-Sticks and other 
fugitives from the Northern tribes. The Red-Sticks 
were Creeks who had been expelled from their lands 
in 1813. They had erected a high pole at their 
principal village of Mickasuky and painted it red, to 
denote their thirst for the blood of the whites. Their 
flag was composed of scalps of Americans whom they 
had murdered. Hence their name Red-Sticks. To 
this Indian population were added some hundreds 
of runaway negroes from Georgia. The frontier-in- 
habitants had much to dread from such a popula- 
tion. Their warriors amounted to some 1500 or 
more. Francis Ilillishago, a Creek chief, had been 
on an unsuccessful visit to England for the purpose 
of recovering his lands by the aid of the govern- 
ment. The Spanish authorities of Florida and 



328 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

numerous adventurers from New Providence gave 
them encouragement and supplied them with arms, 
and represented the Americans as enemies bent 
upon the extermination of the Indian race. Tlius 
supported, these outcasts carried on a system of 
murder and plunder on the frontiers of Georgia and 
Alabama, taking refuge in the Mickasuky and Sawa- 
ney villages, situated on the borders of Georgia. 

The region which had thus become the seat of a 
sanguinary border-warfare was situated in the mili- 
tary department of General Jackson, and was under 
the immediate command of General Gaines. The 
latter, in pursuance of his orders to protect the 
frontier, concentrated his forces in that quarter, and 
built Fort Scott, on the Flint River, near its junc- 
tion with the Chattahoochee, Fort Gaines, on the 
latter river, on the line between Georgia and Missis- 
sippi, and Fort Crawford, in Mississippi, on the 
Canacho branch of the Escambia. 

General Gaines's instructions on the subject of the 
Seminole War were contained in four orders from the 
War Department. The first, of the 30th of Octo- 
ber, 1816, after directing a detachment of Georgia 
militia to be called into service, states " that the 
assurance of an additional force, the President flatr 
ters himself, will at least have the effect of restrain- 
ing the Seminoles from committing further depreda- 
tions, and perhaps of inducing them to make repara- 
tion for the murders which they have committed. 
Should they, however, persevere in their refusal to 
make such reparation, it is the wish of the President 
that you should not, on that account, pass the line 
and make an attack upon them within the limits of 



SEMINOLE WAR. 329 

Florida, until you shall have received further in- 
structions from this Department. You are author- 
ized to remove the Indians still remaining on the 
lands ceded by the treaty made by General Jackson 
with the Creeks." 

The second, bearing date the 2d of December, re- 
marks, " The state of our negotiations with Spain, 
and the temper manifested by the principal European 
powers, make it impolitic, in the opinion of the Pre- 
sident, to move a force at this time into the Spanish 
possessions for the mere purpose of chastising the 
Seminoles for depredations which have heretofore 
been committed by them." By the third, dated the 
9th of December, General Gaines was instructed 
that, should the Indians appear in force on the 
Spanish side of the line and persevere in committing 
hostilities within the limits of the United States, to 
exercise a sound discretion as to the propriety of 
crossing the line for the purpose of [ittacking them 
and breaking up their towns. The fourth, bearing 
date the 16th of December, further instructed him 
that, should the Seminole Indians still refuse to 
make reparation for their outrages and depredations 
on the citizens of the United States, to consider him- 
self at liberty to march across the Florida line and 
attack them within its limits, unless they should 
shelter themselves under a Spanish fort, and, in that 
event, immediately notify the War Department. 

On the 19th of November, 1816, General Gaines, 
being at Fort Scott, and having been instructed to 
remove the remaining Creeks from the territory ceded 
to the United States by Jackson's treaty, sent an offi- 
cer to Fowltown, one of their settlements near him, 



330 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

to require the removal of certain Indians still remain- 
ing. The chief returned a haughty refusal. Major 
Twiggs, being despatched on the next day with 250 
men to bring the chiefs and warriors to Fort Scott, was 
attacked by the Indians ; but he repulsed and put 
them to flight after killing and wounding a small num- 
ber. Four days after he marched to the town, which 
he found deserted. Three vessels, under the direction 
of Major Muhlenburg, with military stores for the 
supply of Fort Scott, were ascending the Appalachi- 
cola, on the 30th of November, when a party of 40 
men, under Lieutenant Scott, was sent down the 
river to their assistance by General Gaines. Muhlen- 
burg took out 20 of the men, and, supplying their 
pUices with his sick, invalids, and seven women, 
sent the boat back towards the fort. At the mouth 
of Flint River the boat was attacked by an ambus- 
cade of Indians, and all were killed except six sol- 
diers, who escaped to the opposite shore by swim- 
ming, and one woman, who was captured. The scalps 
of the killed were taken to the Mickasuky village 
and added to the trophies on the red pole of the 
Indians. The vessels, retarded by the current and 
constantly assailed by the savage enemies who lined 
the banks of the river, received the aid of another 
detachment from the fort, which a favorable wind at 
last enabled them to reach. 

The news of these disasters induced the Govern- 
ment to take more decisive measures; and on the 
26th of December General Jackson was ordered to 
take tlie lield, with instructions to raise troops at 
his discretion and conform to the orders previously 
given to General Gaines as to the method of prose- 



SEMINOLE WAR. 331 

cuting the war. An appeal from tlie general to the 
patriotism of the volunteers of West Tennessee soon 
brought a thousand soldiers into the service. They 
were ordered to rendezvous at Favetteville and pro- 
ceed to Fort Scott. 

The general now left his residence at Nashville, 
and on the 9th of March arrived at Fort Scott, with 
900 Georgia militia. He crossed the Flint River on 
the lOtli, and arrived on the 16th at Prospect Bluff, 
where he erected a fort, to which he gave the name 
of Fort Gadsden, in honor of the engineer ensrao-ed 
in its erection. General Gaines had joined him on 
the march. 

Being nearly destitute of provisions, General 
Jackson determined to sustain the army by causing 
supplies to be transported up the Escambia, passing 
Pensacola and the fortress of Barrancas. He ac- 
cordingly wrote to the Spanish governor of West 
Florida that he should consider any interruption to 
this proceeding, on his part, as an act of hostility 
against the United States. The governor demanded 
duties on the stores, but did not venture to enforce 
his demand. 

Mcintosh, the Creek chief, with 1500 warriors, 
having entered the service of the United States in 
this expedition, the whole force of General JackSon 
now amounted to 4300 men. The enemy consisted 
of runaway Indians and negroes to the amount of 
one-quarter or one-third of that number. No serious 
contest could be anticipated ; and, accordingly, the 
subsequent operations constituted, as Jackson after- 
wards aptly denominated it, "a war of movements." 

On the 1st of April the Tennessee volunteers 



332 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



joined the main body, which had then nearly 
reached the Mickasuky villages. As they ap- 
proached them the outposts had a trifling skirmish 
with some Indians, who soon fled ; and the villages, 
on the arrival of the army, were found deserted by 
their inhabitants. The wigwams were burned ; the 
old red stick, with the scalps of Lieutenant Sqott's 
party attached to it, was found still standing. 

Mcintosh and his warriors w^ere ordered to scour 
the neighboring country in pursuit of the fugitives ; 
and General Jackson now marched to the Spanish 
fort of St. Mark's, took possession of it, hoisted the 
American flag, and shipped the Spanish garrison to 
Pensacola. 

In the neighborhood of this place was found a 
Scotch trader, named Alexander Arbuthnot, who 
had been carrying on an extensive intercourse with 
the hostile Indians and negroes. The general put 
him in close confinement. Francis Hillishago, the 
Creek chief, and Hoonotlemied, a Red-Stick chief, 
who had led the murderers of Lieutenant Scott's 
party, and had been decoyed on board a vessel in 
Appalachee Bay by Captain McKeever, were now 
hung by the general's order. 

The general then left a small garrison at St. 
Mark's, and on the 9th of April marched for the 
Sawaney villages, distant one hundred and seven 
miles. He arrived there on the 16tli, killed eleven 
Indians and took two prisoners. The next day the 
villages were destroyed and parties were sent out 
in pursuit of the fugitives. Arbuthnot's schooner 
was captured at the mouth of the Sawaney River, 
and employed in transporting the sick and baggage 



SEMINOLE WAR. oOO 

of the army to St. Mark's. On the ISth, Robert C. 
Ambrister, late a lieutenant of marines in the British 
service, under Nicholls, was captured in the neigh- 
borhood of the villages. 

The war was now considered as having termi- 
nated. The Georgia militia and Mcintosh's Indians 
were discharged; and on the lltli of April the main 
body set out for St. Mark's, and after a rapid march 
of five days arrived at that place. 

It is foreign to our purpose to go into a history of 
what was denominated, at that time, the Arbuthnot 
and Ambrister affair. The proceedings in relation 
to their trial were certainly of a very summary 
character, and they were put to death ; but whether 
as outlaws, spies, or pirates, we must leave to Gene- 
ral Jackson to decide. It is worthy of remark, how- 
ever, that the proceedings of the general in relation 
to these men were justified by the Congress of the 
United States and the Parliament of Great Britain. 
The Spanish government complained, but were 
silenced by the answer of Mr. Adams. 

At St. Mark's General Jackson received intelli- 
gence that some of the fugitive Seminoles had 
escaped to West Florida. He, therefore, after leav- 
ing a garrison in the fort, marched into the imme- 
diate neighborhood of Pensacola. The Spanish go- 
vernor remonstrated ; the general occupied the town, 
and the governor and garrison were obliged to take 
refuge in the fortress of Barrancas. (24th of May.) 
The fort was now invested and bombarded till the 
27th of May, when it was surrendered to the United 
States. St. Augustine, the only remaining Spanish 
fortress, being subsequently captured by General 



334 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

Gaines, in obedience to Jackson's orders, the whole 
province was in the military possession of the United 
States ; and the Seminole War had ended in the 
conquest of Florida. 

The diplomatic proceedings which followed this 
event, the temporary restoration of the province and 
its final cession, are matters which belong to the 
civil history of the United States. 

Subsequent events have made it pretty apparent 
that in this war the Seminoles were not all killed. 



BLACK HAWK S WAR. 



335 




BLACK HAWK'S WAR. 

Black Hawk, the Indian cliief whose fame has 
been recently so widely extended among us, was 
born on Rock River, in Illinois, about the year 1767. 
His great-grandfather was a chief by the name of 
Nanamakee, or Thunder. Having, at the ea^-ly age 
of fifteen, taken the scalp of an enemy, he was 
admitted to the rank of a brave. A short time 
afterwards he joined in a war-party against the 
Osages, and was greatly distinguished for his valor. 
On his return he was allowed to join in the scalp- 
dance of the nation. His reputation being thus 



336 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

established, he frequently led war-parties against, 
the enemies of his tribe, and was in almost every 
case successful. 

The treaty which had been made in 1804, by 
Governor Harrison, with the Sacs and Foxes, by 
which they ceded their lands east of the Mississippi, 
was executed by a few chiefs without the knowledge 
or consent of the nation. Therefore, when Fort 
Madison was erected by the Americans upon the 
Mississippi, these tribes expressed their dissatisfac- 
tion in an open manner, and even made an unsuc- 
cessful attempt to cut oft' the garrison. 

In the mean while the territory of Illinois had 
been admitted into the Union and now formed a 
State. Emigrants poured in from all j^arts, and in 
a short time the territory occupied by the Sacs and 
Foxes was completely surrounded by the settlements 
of the white men. These soon began to commit 
outrages upon their red neighbors, in order to hasten 
their departure from the ceded territory. In 1827, 
when these tribes were absent from their homes, en- 
aa^^ed in huntiuiz:, some of the whites set fire to their 
village, by which forty houses were consumed. The 
Indians said nothing concerning this disgraceful act, 
but, on their return, quietly rebuilt their dwellings. 
The whites also turned their cattle into the fields 
of the Indians, by which means the corn was all 
trodden under foot and destroyed. 

The American government now determined to 
sell the lands occupied by these tribes of Indians, 
and they were accordingly advised to remove. 
Keokuk, the chief, with a majority of the nation, 
determined to do so; but Black Hawk, with a ^^arty 



BLACK HAWK S WAR. 



337 



which he gained over to himself, resolved to remain, 
at all hazards. 

Meanwhile the whites committed greater acts of 
violence upon the Indians than before. The latter 
at last took up arms, and a war would certainly 
have taken place had not General Gaines, com- 
mander of the western division of the United States 
army, hastened to the scene of action. He held a 
council with the principal chiefs, in which it was 
agreed that the nation should instantly remove. 
They accordingly crossed the river and settled on its 
western bank. 

The majority of the Indians were on peaceable 
terms with the United States. But Black Hawk 
and his band determined to retnrn to Illinois, alleg- 
ing that they had been invited by the Pottawatomies, 
residing on Rock River, to spend the summer with 
them and plant corn on their lands. 

Accordingly, they crossed the Mississippi and pro- 
ceeded towards the country of the Pottawatomies. 
They did not attempt to harm any one upon the 
road. The traveller passed by them without receiv- 
ing any injury, and the inmates of the lowly hut 
experienced no outrage. Thus they continued, and, 
without doubt, no violence would have been com- 
mitted by them had not the whites been the first 
to shed blood. Five or six Indians who were in 
advance of the party were all captured and put to 
death by a battalion of mounted militia, except one 
who made his escape. The one who escaped brought 
the news to Black Hawk, who inunediately deter- 
mined to be revenged. He therefore planned an 
ambuscade, into which the militia were enticed. On 

22 



338 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

receiving the fire of the Indians they became 
panic-struck, and tied in disorder, with the loss of 
14 men. 

The Indians, now tliat the war was begun, deter- 
mined to do all the mischief in their power. They 
accordingly divided into small parties, proceeded in 
different directions, and fell upon the settlements 
which were at that time thirdy scattered over a 
greater portion of IlUnois. Here they committed 
such outrages that the whole State was in the 
greatest excitement. Governor Reynolds ordered 
out 2000 additional militia, who, on the 10th of 
June, assembled at Hennepin, on the Illinois River, 
and were soon engaged in pursuit of the Indians. 

On the 20th of May, 1832, the Indians attacked 
a small settlement on Indian Creek, and killed 15 
persons, besides taking considerable plunder. On 
the 14th of June 5 persons were killed near Galena. 
General Dodge, being in the neighborhood, marched 
with 30 of his mounted men immediately in search 
of them. When he had gone about three miles, he 
discovered 12 Indians, whom he supposed to be the 
party that had conniiitted the murders, and he en- 
tered into the pursuit with great spirit. The Indians 
made for a swamp, in which they immediately took 
shelter. The whites rushed in after them, and soon 
met them. No resistance was made ; every Indian 
was killed, and their scalps were taken off and borne 
away in triumph. 

Meanwhile General Atkinson was pursuing Black 
Hawk, whose camp was near the Four Lakes. In- 
stead of crossing the country, to retreat beyond the 
Mississippi, as was expected, he descended the Wis- 



BLACK HAT\'KS WAR. 



OO, 



consin, to escape in that direction ; by which means 
General Dodge came upon his trail and commenced 
a vigorous pursuit. 

On the 21st of July, Dodge, with about 200 men, 
besides Indians, came up with Black Hawk, on the 
Wisconsin, forty miles from Fort Winnebago. The 
whites came upon the Indians just as they were 
about to cross the river. After a short engagement 
the Indians retreated ; and, it being dark, the whites 
could not pursue them without disadvantage to 
themselves. Black Hawk's party, it is supposed, 
lost about 40 men in this encounter. 

The Indians were now in a truly deplorable con- 
dition ; several of them were greatly emaciated for 
want of food, and some even starved to death. In 
their pursuit of them before the battle the whites 
found several of their number lying dead on the 
road. Yet were they not altogether dispirited, and 
they resolved to continue hostilities as long as they 
were able. 

In the affair which we have just related, a 
squaw, the wife of a warrior called Big Lake, was 
taken prisoner. From her the whites learned that 
Black Hawk intended to proceed to the west side of 
the Mississippi, above Prairie-du-Chien ; those having 
horses were to strike across the country, while the 
others were to proceed by the Wisconsin. A great 
many of these latter were taken prisoners on the 
road by the whites. 

Several circumstances now transpired to prevent 
the escape of the main body under Black Hawk. 
The first was his falling in with the " Warrior" 
steamboat, (August 1,) just as he was about to 



340 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

cross the Mississippi, On this occasion the chief did 
not wish to fight, but to escape. He disphiyed two 
white flags, and about 150 of his men came to the 
river without arms, making signs of submission. 
But J. Throckmorton, the commander of the boat, 
either could not or would not understand their sis;- 
nals : he gave orders for his men to fire upon them, 
which they did ; the fire was returned, but without 
doing any damage. The engagement lasted for 
about an hour, when the wood of the steamboat 
began to fail, and it proceeded to the Prairie. In 
this battle the Indians had 23 men killed, besides a 
great many wounded; while the whites had none 
killed and only one wounded. 

On the next day Atkinson's army came up with 
Black Hawk, after having encountered many incon- 
veniences and dangers in the march. He imme- 
diately formed his troops in order of battle and 
attacked the Indians. However, lest some should 
escape up or down the river, Atkinson had ordered 
Generals Alexander and Posey to form the right 
wing of the army and march down to the river 
above the Indian encampment on the bank, and 
then move down. The battle now commenced, and 
lasted for about three hours. The Indians fought 
with desperation, and disputed the ground with the 
greatest valor. They were, however, finally obliged 
to retreat. Their loss in killed and wounded 
amounted to about 200, while that of the Americans 
was but 27. 

This action may be considered as the finishing- 
stroke of the war, although Black Hawk made his 
escape. From this time Black Hawk's men con- 



BLACK HAWKS WAR. 



341 



I 



tinually deserted him and went over to the whites. 
Finally, the warrior himself came in and surrendered 
to the agent at Prairie-du-Chien. On this occasion 
he made a speech, in which he said that he regretted 
his being obliged to close the war so soon without 
having given the whites much more trouble ; that 
he had done nothing of which he had any reason to 
be ashamed ; that an Indian who was as bad as the 
white men would not be allowed to live in their 
communities; and ended with the following words : — 
" Farewell, my nation ! Black Hawk tried to save 
you and revenge your wrongs. He drank the blood 
of some of the whites. He has been taken prisoner, 
and his plans are stopped. He can do no more. He 
is near his end. His sun is setting, and he will rise 
no more. Farewell to Bkick Hawk." 

Black Hawk was now taken to Washinirton, where 
he had an interview witli the President. He was 
then conducted through the principal Atlantic cities 
and received everywhere with the most marked 
attention and hospitality. He was then set at 
liberty and returned to his nation. He died on the 
3d of October, 1838, at his village on the Des Moines 
Eiver. 



342 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




GENERAL CLINCH. 



SECOND SExMINOLE WAR. 

This war broke out in the summer of 1835, and, 
to the disgrace of the Government, lasted eight 
years. General Clinch, with 250 regulars and 650 
Florida militia, had the chief command at first; and 
in December, 1835, Major Dade's detachment was 
entirely destroyed by the Indians. 

Generals Gaines, Scott, and Jessup, were in turn 
intrusted with the conduct of the war ; but none of 
them succeeded in bringing the enemy to a decisive 
engagement. The last-named commander resorted 



SECOND SEMINOLE WAR. 



343 



\ 



to a stratagem to gain possession of the master-spirit 
among the Seminoles. 

Osceola was known to be a brave and sagacious 
warrior, and was at this time the principal chief. 
He was viewed as the great director of all the hostile 
bands of Seminole warriors. It was deemed, there- 
fore, a great achievement by the American general 
to get him into his power. General Jessup found 
means to communicate to the Indians that it was 
his wish to have the chiefs come in and hold a talk, 
in order to come to some agreement. White flags 
were displayed on the fort. On the 20th of October, 
1837, Osceola, accompanied by other chiefs and a 
few warriors, came in, agreeably to the invitation. 
He, carrying a white flag in his hand and relying on 
the honor of the commanding general, put himself 
in his power ; but, instead of being received as was 
expected, they were immediately surrounded by 
bayonets, made prisoners, and confined in the fort. 
Whether General Jessup was alone accountable for 
this act of treachery, or whether he acted under 
orders from the President, is not known ; but, the 
Government having afterwards approved of the mea- 
sure, it became a national act. 

Osceola was kept there a prisoner for some time, 
when he was, by order of the Government, conveyed 
under a strong guard to Sullivan Island, in the 
harbor of Charleston, S.C, and confined in the fort. 
His proud and independent spirit could not bear the 
confinement, and he gradually pined away and died 
in prison. Thus fell another brave Indian chieftain, 
not in fair fight, but in a manner that will ever be a 
stigma upon our national honor. 



344 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



Other chiefs were kidnapped in the same treache- 
rous manner; but, severe as the loss must Lave been 
to the Indians, it did not a23pear to discourage them. 
The war was still carried on, by those who were left, 
in a desultory manner. The ranks of the Indians 
are said to have been filled up by runaway slaves 
and some of the Creek Indians who had not yet 
quitted Georgia. 




BATTLE OF OKEKCHOBEE. 



On the 24th of December, 1837, Colonel Taylor 
succeeded in bringing the Indians to a general en- 
gagement at Okeechobee. The action was a severe 
one, and continued from half-past twelve until after 
three p.m., a part of the time very close and severe. 
The troops suffered much, having 26 killed and 112 
wounded, among whom were some of the most 
valuable officers. The enemy probably sufiered 



SECOND SEMINOLE TTAK. 345 

equally, they having left 10 dead on the ground, 
besides, doubtless, carrying off many more, as is 
customary with them when practicable. 

Taylor's column, in six weeks, penetrated one 
hundred and fifty miles into the enemy's country, 
opened roads, and constructed bridges and causeways 
when necessary, on the greater portion of the route, 
established two depots and the necessary defences 
for 'the same, and finally overtook and beat the 
enemy in his strongest position; the results of 
which movement and battle were the capture of 30 
of the enemy, the coming-in and surrendering of 
more than 150 Indians and negroes, mostly the 
former, including the chiefs Ou-la-too-chee, Tus-ta- 
nug-gee, and other principal men, the capturing and 
driving out of the country six hundred head of 
cattle, upwards of one hundred head of horses, be- 
sides obtaining a thorough knowledge of the country 
through which the troops operated, a greater portion 
of which was entirely unknown except to the enemy. 

Colonel Taylor's conduct in the battle of Okee- 
chobee was duly appreciated by the Government. 
The Secretary of War, Mr. Poinsett, gave him the 
warmest commendation in his report to Congress ; 
and he was immediately promoted to the brevet 
rank of brigadier-general, with the chief command 
in Florida. His head-quarters w^ere in the neigh- 
borhood of Tampa Bay. From this point he 
directed the " war of movements," so difficult and 
discouraging to an ardent officer, until 1840, when 
he was relieved by General Armistead, wdio was 
ordered to take the command in Florida. 

The Seminoles had eluded pursuit for a long time 



346 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

previous to May, 1841, when the conduct of the war 
was intrusted to Colonel Worth. Sickness among 
the men impeded his operations, but he was soon 
able to compel the surrender of several considerable 
detachments of hostile Indians ; and, on the 19th 
of April, 1842, he succeeded in compelling a large 
body of Indians to fight at a place called Palaklak- 
laha. The result, as might have been anticipated, 
was a complete defeat of the enemy, which was soon 
after followed by the surrender of one of the leading 
chiefs of the Indians with his band. 

The Florida War was not yet ended. Even before 
Worth left the territory hostilities had recom- 
menced at San Pedro. The exasperation and 
chagrin of the inhabitants broke forth into loud 
murmurs against the Government and the army. 
Colonel Vose was ordered to take the field imme- 
diately, and another series of negotiations, skir- 
mishes, butcheries, and hollow truces, ensued. The 
details might well fatigue, but could not please or 
instruct, the reader. It may be sufficient to know 
that, in November, Colonel Worth, lately breveted 
brigadier-general, resumed the command ; that a 
few more chiefs were captured, a few driven into 
the everglades, and a few decoyed and afterwards 
retained; that several hundred Indians, desolate, 
friendless, and heart-broken, were despatched to the 
West ; that the military force was now reduced and 
now augmented, according as the war-temperament 
dictated the thermometer-like policy ; and that No- 
vember, 1843, has generally been regarded as the 
time when this whole afliiir, dignified by the ap- 
pellation of a national contest, may be supposed to 



SECOND SEMINOLE WAR. 



347 



have been concluded. That fact was duly announced 
by General Worth in a despatch to the adjutant- 
general. 

Since that time peace has, with few interruptions, 
been maintained. The Indian warriors now in 
Florida number perhaps 150. Recently some out- 
rages were committed which caused some anxiety 
lest the war was about to be renewed; but it is 
believed that no plot for that purpose exists among 
the Indians. 




548 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




CORPUS C H K I S T I. 



COMMENCEMENT OF THE MEXICAN WAR, 
AND BATTLES OF PALO ALTO AND RE- 
SACA DE LA PALMA. 

In 1844 General Taylor was appointed to the 
command of the army of observation in Texas. His 
march from Corpus Christi to the Rio Grande is a 
narration of wonderful and romantic events. The 
great American desert was to be crossed, where all 
vegetation is stunted and every river and lake 
filled with salt water. Here and there dense prickly 
pears, green and beautiful in the distance, mocked 
the eye with the appearance of cultivation and 
plenty. Then streams, cold and clear, caused the 
blood to thrill through the veins of the exhausted 
soldiers; but the waters were salt and loathsome, 
and on tasting them the troops looked upon each 
other with fearful foreboding. Drooping with thirst 



COMMENCEMENT OF THE MEXICAN "WAR. 349 

and weariness, the army moved over the burning 
sand, their feet parched and blistered with the heat 
and their cattle dropping at every step. Men who 
subsequently faced death with alacrity now grew 
still and melancholy; and their unechoing tread 
seemed like the muflled march to a funeral. 

But at length their sufferings terminated. They 
emerged from the desert, and fir in the distance a 
white line was observed glittering in the sun. '■'"Fresh 
icaier' was spoken with startling energy, and, as 
though accelerated by a superhuman impulse, every 
man sprung onward. Nearer and nearer they drew, 
until the waves could be distinctly recognised spark- 
ling in the distance. Now their eagerness became 
uncontrollable. Sweeping along in rapid marches, 
the troops reached the brink, dashed down their 
arms and equipments, and rushed in headlong. It 
was a moment when discipline yields to necessity; 
and General Taylor exulted and revelled with his 
troops as the commonest soldier. 

On the 28th of March the American flag was 
waving on the banks of the Eio Grande. Round 
their national banner the weary troops sat down to 
enjoy once more the luxury of rest. They had 
crossed streams and deserts, forded rivers, endured 
hardships of hunger, thirst, fatigue, and heat, had 
captured Point Isabel and established there a mili- 
tary depot. The limit of their authority was reached, 
and they now sat down on the great river to await 
the commencement of hostilities or an order to re- 
turn home.* 

The death of Colonel Cross, and subsequently of 
Lieutenant Porter, roused the army from its security. 



350 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



Then Captain Thornton with his command was cap- 
tured, and immediately after the Mexicans, grown 
bold by success, crossed the Rio Grande and spread 
themselves along the neighboring plains. Spies 
were sent out from the American fort; but one by 
one they returned, with the information that crowds 
were still crossing and that all communication with 




CAPTURE OF CAPTAIN THORN' TON. 



Point Isabel was cut off. A period dark and try- 
ing was settling over the army. They were de- 
prived of all communication with the government or 
their main depot, and surrounded by a hostile army 
many times superior to themselves. Yet not for one 
moment did they despond. Confident thnjt the motto 
of their leader was "Victory or Death," they leaned 
upon him as a strong pillar, and felt that there was 



BATTLE OF PALO ALTO. 351 

that in his genius and firmness which must finally 
insure success. Nor was this confidence diminished 
when Captain Walker, of the Rangers, arrived at the 
fort, after escaping innumerable dangers, and re- 
ported the critical condition of Point Isabel. 

Aware of the importance of reopening his com- 
munication, the general left his fort on the 1st of 
May for the purpose of cutting his way to Point 
Isabel. Strange to say, he reached it in safety, re- 
plenished his stores, recruited his army, and set out 
(May 7) on his return. That night the troops slept 
on the open plain, and early on the following morn- 
ing recommenced their solitary march. At noon 
they reached a wide prairie, flanked by pools of 
fresh water and bounded in the distance by long 
rows of chapparal. In front of the hitter were drawn 
up in battle-array 6000 Mexicans, in one unbroken 
line a mile in length. It was a thrilling sight. Long 
rows of bayonets glittering in the sunbeams, together 
with the lances of the horsemen and hundreds of 
pennants and national flags, formed a spectacle 
brilliant and exciting. Undaunted by the over- 
whelming numbers of their adversaries, each soldier 
forgot the ftitigues of the journey and pressed for- 
ward with the highest enthusiasm. Nearer and 
nearer the armies approached, until but six hundred 
yards intervened between them. Then suddenly a 
roar like thunder shook the ground, and volumes of 
smoke burst from the batteries to the Mexican lei't 
and rolled away in the distance. Battery after bat- 
tery followed in rapid succession, till the ground 
rocked and trembled, the whole field was dense with 
smoke, and the balls tore up the earth and grass in 



352 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

whirling fragments. For a few minutes there was 
a pause, and the Americans placed their guns in bat- 
tery. This done, the action commenced in earnest, 
Ringgold, Duncan, and Churchill sustaining the 
whole force of the enemy's fire. At every discharge 
of these gallant cannoneers the Mexican cavalry 
reeled to and fro, while scores sunk down in mangled 
masses beneath the tread of their companions. The 
rattling of artillery-wagons as they swept to different 
stations, the galloping of horses and rushing of armed 
men, the shouts of command and moans of the 
dying, mingled fearfully over that solitary plain. 
Dismayed by the havoc of his cavalry, the Mexican 
general collected their scattered fragments and pre- 
pared for a charge. At this movement the third 
and fifth infantry regiments, who had hitherto taken 
no jDart in the battle, were ordered forward to meet 
the enemy. But the huge masses bore on amid a 
tremendous fire from the third regiment, assisted by 
Ridgely's guns, until they arrived at the fifth. This 
was formed into a square to support Lieutenant 
Ridgely. That brave officer planted his guns in the 
very front of the lancers, and rode from rank to rank 
amid showers of balls and bullets. His horse fell 
dead ; and four others, maddened with the smoke and 
uproar, plunged headlong before the muzzles of the 
cannon and directly between the two armies. There 
was a moment of sickening dread, for without horses 
the artillery would be unmanageable. In the next 
Ridgely sprang forward and drew the animals to 
their stations. A pealing shout followed this daring 
action, echoed by roars of artillery and the hurry- 
ings of the enemy's retreat. At this uncertain 



BATTLE OF PALO ALTO. 



!53 



moment Colonel Twiggs came down on them with 
the third infantry, supported by Major Ringgold. 
Heavy balls crushed through their crowded columns, 
mowing down whole regiments and piling man and 
steed in one long black line of death. 

While the cavalry were breaking before our artil- 
lery, the prairie grass became ignited, and in a few 




BATTLE OF PALO ALTO. 



moments the stirring spectacle of a prairie on fire 
was added to the more terrible one of a battle. 
Thick masses of smoke rose between the two armies, 
hiding them from each other and from the light of 
the sun. Gradually the work of death slackened, 
until at last silence brooded once more over the 
plain, interrupted only by the crackling of flames 
or an occasional command. 

But the cessation was only temporarj^ Under 
28 



354 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

cover of the darkness, each army formed a new line 
of battle, and after an hour's intermission the action 
recommenced. The appetite for blood, the darker 
passions of human nature, had been aroused ; and 
now man saw his brother and companion fall by his 
side, or heard from every quarter the shrieks of suf- 
fering wretches, with scarcely one feeling of com- 
punction. The artillery led the battle; and both 
armies fought with a heroism rarely surpassed in the 
history of American warfare. In the very midst of 
it, one man rode along the van of our troops on a 
white horse and exhorted them to duty. At sight 
of him wild shouts of exultation rose above the 
shock of contending armies, and each soldier forgot 
that he was rioting in blood and danger. 

No man sustained the honor of his country better 
on that day than did Major Ringgold. The very 
soul of the artillery-force, he watched with thrilling 
interest the effect of every gun, and saw with the 
pride of a soldier the terrible havoc in the enemy's 
ranks. His calm, collected bearing and chivalric 
bravery were the admiration of every beholder. 
Yet he was to shine but for a moment. Death had 
marked him as its victim and fixed the dear price 
of his glory. While superintending the eigh teen- 
pounders, a cannon-ball struck his right thigh, passed 
completely through the shoulders of his horse and 
out through his left thigh, tearing away all the 
muscles that opposed its course. 

The last charge of the cavalry was met by Captain 
Duncan's battery, assisted by the 8th infantry and 
Ker's dragoons. Before the fire of these companies 
the horsemen fell back in confused masses, and the 



BATTLE OF RESACA DE LA PALMA. 355 

day was won. Night bronglit repose to the weary 
soldiers, who sank upon the field in then' equip- 
ments, while the artillerists lay down beside their 
pieces. 

Thus one battle was won ; but another, more dark 
and dreadful, and which was to drive the Mexican 
from Texas forever, was in reserve for the following 
day. At four o'clock in the afternoon (May 9) the 
Americans arrived in front of a deep gorge known 
as the Resaca de la Palma, flanking the road on each 
side and covered with impenetrable chapparal of 
prickly pear, Spanish needle, and other thorny plants. 
Here the legions of Mexico had concealed their 
forces and were awaiting the arrival of their op- 
ponents. Heavy batteries were posted in the gorge 
so as to rake the road from both sides, while the 
inflmtry should, at the same time, employ their 
musketry from the chapparal. The cavalry were 
stationed so as to support the rest of the army and 
act according to emergencies. 

About four o'clock quick discharges of musketry 
were heard in the direction of the chapparal. The 
battle had begun. A party of skirmishers had en- 
gaged some Mexican cavalry, and, after retreating a 
short distance, rallied, and in turn drove back their 
opponents. Meanwhile the main army moved 
towards the gorge at a rapid march, eager to finish 
the work commenced at Palo Alto. Riding through 
their columns, the commander exhorted each man to 
prepare for the approaching struggle and complete 
the measure of their worth and glory. Shouts of 
gratitude and exultation gave assurance that his 
words were not idly spoken. Every eye flashed, 



OOb BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

every bosom heaved, with the intensity of excite- 
ment; and the hurrying tread announced that very 
soon the two armies would again face each other in 
mortal strife. 

At length, when near the Resaca, the Mexican 
artillery broke forth in discharges which echoed and 
re-echoed along the gorge and ploughed up the 
ground and rocks in every direction. The troops 
immediately halted. Then one regiment after 
another moved towards the ravine, regardless of the 
iron shower that hailed around and above them. In 
advance of all was Lieutenant Ridgely, whose bat- 
teries poured forth uninterrupted discharges of shot 
and canister. Closely following were the heavy 
columns of the 8th infantry, succeeded by the re- 
mainder of the army. For thirty minutes the 
artillerists stood between the opposing forces, while 
the balls dashed and bounded and whistled around 
them and the wailings of mangled companions rung 
in their ears. The cavalry dashed upon them until 
the horses almost leaped upon the cannon ; yet they 
faltered not. Throwing aside all superfluous clothing, 
grim with smoke and powder, and sweltering in the 
burning sun, these heroes stood hand to hand with 
death, and, amid blood and uproar and thunder, 
wrenched victory from the enemy. Their leader 
managed a gun with his own hand, like the com- 
monest soldier, and refused to mount his horse until 
the cavalry were broken. 

A shout, terrible to the Mexicans, rang from the 
American troops on beholding this retreat, and a 
pursuit immediately commenced. Batteries groaning 
with heavy cannon were wheeled into action, and 



BATTLE OF RESACA DE LA PALM A. 357 

opened upon the Americans. Clamor and misery 
followed their course ; but still our troops pressed 
forward. Then the flash of thousands of muskets 
burst forth from the chapparal, which seemed as a 
wall of living fire. Whole companies sunk down 
beneath the feet of their companions, and the artil- 
lery was almost dismantled. Still the soldiers 
advanced. The bursts of artillery, the roar of mus- 
ketry, and shouts of command, formed a scene 
incapable of description. But, dashing through 
death and horror, our troops reached the thicket 
and sprang forward to the fierce trial of the bayonet. 
Suddenly all noise was hushed save that sickening 
one whose short, quick sound chills the blood, — the 
grating of bayonet with bayonet as they leap sternly 
at opposing bosoms. Then there was another shout : 
the chapparal was gained. 

Sure of victory, the troops now attempted to drive 
the Mexicans from their batteries. But here their 
progress was arrested. Manned by the Tampico 
veterans, and commanded by the brave La Vegn, 
these guns swept down every thing before them and 
covered the retreat of the infantry. At the same 
time the cavalry prepared for another charge. 

Perceiving that nothing decisive could be accom- 
plished while the Mexicans retained these guns. 
General Taylor ordered Captain May to charge them 
with his dragoons. That order was welcome. As 
the captain rode back to his command, each eye was 
bent upon him with an almost agonizing expression. 
"Men," he exclaimed, "follow!" and instantly that 
troop were plunging towards the rocks of the Resaca. 
On they swept, like some living thunderbolt, until 



358 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

they reached Colonel Ridgely, by whom they were 
halted till he had drawn the enemy's fire. Then 
those fiery horsemen, with their arms bared to the 
shoulder and their sabres glittering in the sun, 
swept on towards the opposing batteries. Grim and 
silent, the enemy awaited their approach, with the 
ignited matches close to the cannon. Nearer and 
nearer the dragoons approached ; it seemed like 
mocking death, — one of those terrible moments when 
the mind dares not think. A roar like thunder 
broke the suspense, and eighteen horses, with seven 
men, reared and screamed and fell dead. Lieu- 
tenant Sackett was thrown into the midst of the 
enemy ; Lieutenant Inge was shot through the 
throat. But naught could stop the survivors. Leap- 
ing on the breaches of the cannon, they overthrew 
the cannoneers and drove back the Tampico regi- 
ment with their sabres. These were repulsed but a 
moment ; they rushed back to their stations, seized 
the horses' bridles, and fought hand to hand with 
the riders. Again they were rolled back, and again 
returned, climbing over heaps of their fallen com- 
panions and planting their standard by the principal 
battery. La Vega, their general, black with the 
filth of battle, stood among his fallen heroes and 
called the survivors to their posts. Nobly did they 
second his call, and closed about him like a wall of 
iron. But, concentrating his force. May again rushed 
on them, breaking their ranks and capturing La 
Vega himself. Slowly and sullenly that shattered 
band left their guns. Tearing the flag from its 
staff, one of them wrapped it around his body and 
attempted to escape, but, weary and wounded, fell 
down through loss of blood and was captured. 



STORMING OF MONTEREY. 359 



STORMING OF MONTEREY. 

After refreshing his troops and receiving rein- 
forcements, General Taylor marched for Monterey, 
in the neighborhood of which he arrived on the 19th 
of September. 

On the 21st this strong city was attacked at two 
stations by the main army, while General Worth 
led a division against the forts on a neighboring 
hill. The details of this fearful struggle are a 
series of rapid movements, brilliant assaults, and 
chivalric combats. Generals Twiggs and Butler, 
Colonel May's dragoons, and the Texas volunteers, 
became involved between three fires directed against 
them from strongly-built forts. Here, hour after 
hour, they stood in the jaws of death, while the old 
town rocked with the thunder of artillery, — com- 
panions dropping on every side and the balls ringing 
and whistling in showers around them. High over 
the scene of slaughter May and Twiggs were heard 
exhorting their heroes to the charge ; while Butler s 
troops, sweeping on with the bayonet, overthrew the 
opposing cavalry and rushed almost to the guns of 
the fort. But Mexico saw her danger, and, calling 
all her troops around, prepared to meet it. At each 
burst of lurid flame the balls broke and crushed the 
living masses, until our companies were completely 
riddled. In gloomy rage the troops were torn from 



STORMING OF MONTEREY. oGl 

the bloody scene, while the shouts of exulting Mexi- 
cans rent the air. 

But the triumph of the latter was short. Captain 
Backus, having climbed upon a tannery near the 
fort, poured into it a deadly fire of musketry. Be- 
fore the astonishment attending this unexpected 
attack had subsided. General Quitman descended 
upon it like a torrent, leaped the embrasures, wheeled 
round the cannon, and drove off the Mexicans with 
the bayonet. 

Now the battle recommenced with renewed fury. 
Exasperated by their loss, the Mexicans launched 
from thirty heavy cannon an avalanche of liquid 
fire that tore up massive stones and bulwarks and 
scattered them into the air like leaves in autumn. 
Whole sections melted under this appalling shower, 
and General Butler was wounded and retired from 
the field. The rapid charges of Colonel Garland 
against the second fort were unsuccessful, and the 
command was withdrawn to the captured station. 

About this time a body of lancers wound slowly 
round the wall of the city, towards the battery op- 
posite the citadel. At seeing them Captain Bragg 
galloped forward, and, by a few well-directed charges, 
drove them back with loss. 

On the 23d a grand attack was made upon all the 
Mexican stations. Maddened by heavy losses, the 
American Rangers burst into the houses, tore the 
skirmishers from the windows, and bored through 
the side w^alls towards the central plaza. The dull 
sound of the pickaxe contrasted strangely with 
those terrible reports which were shaking earth and 
air and crushing the haughtiest buildings. Streets 



362 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

and squares were thus passed until the troops were 
in the vicinity of the principal plaza. Here they 
halted, issued from the houses, and commenced a 
cannonade. This renewed the general action. Soon 
the walls of the great cathedral were observed to 
totter, and at length, with an awful crash, a portion 
fell inwards. A wild shout arose from the assail- 
ants, the cannon ceased for one moment, and then, 
dimly borne over the tumult, came the wail of suf- 
fering anguish. A roar of artillery succeeded, as 
thousrh death were ashamed that its work should be 
known. Until near sunset our troops toiled and 
fought and wrestled for the victory, although op- 
posing a securely-intrenched foe of three times their 
number. They were then withdrawn to await the 
arrival of General Worth's division. 

This officer, after capturing the Bishop's Palace 
and other redoubts, had entered the city and pene- 
trated towards the square on the side opposite General 
Taylor. Night, however, closed the scene of carnage, 
and both armies prepared for a final struggle on the 
ensuing day. 

On the 24 th proposals for a capitulation were re- 
ceived from the Mexican General Ampudia, and 
negotiations ensued which resulted in a surrender 
of the city and public stores to the army of General 
Taylor. The enemy marched into the interior on 
parole, the officers and soldiers retaining most of 
their arms, together with a battery of artillery. 



BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 



363 




GENiJRAL TAYLOR AT BUENA VISTA. 



BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 

BuENA YiSTA is a small village about seven miles 
south of Saltillo. At some distance from it is the 
deep gorge of Angostura, surrounded by rocks, hills, 
and ravines, and holding the key of a position which, 
for defensive warfare, is perhaps not surpassed by 
any other on the continent. Here, with his little 
army of 5000 men. General Taylor waited for 21,000 
under the best general in Mexico. It was a brilliant 
sight to behold that host stretching over the distant 
hills in hurried march to the scene of slaughter. 
Far as the eye could reach, infantry, cavalry, and 
artillery flashed in the morning sun and shaded all 
the plain. Then they scattered in every direction, 
arranging their artillery, moving into line, and 
choosing stations for the attack. In the afternoon 



364 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

a party of lancers wound round the heights to the 
left of the American position, with the intention of 
making a charge. They were followed by some 
infantry companies and one of artillery, who com- 
menced an attack in that quarter. The noise of 
cannon sounded strangely along those solitary cliffs, 
and the echoes bounded from one to the other as 
though in playful mockery. Considerable skirmish- 
ing took place, and the troops of both armies 
manoeuvred till night. 

Scarcely had daylight appeared in the east on the 
23d of September, 1846, than the trampling of men, 
the gallop of horses, and the roar of cannon, told 
that the fearful drama was opening. Reinforced 
during the night, the enemy now poured upon our 
left a living mass that seemed clad in fire and steel. 
All along that moving, shouting mass, thousands of 
muskets united their startling volleys, while a pall 
of smoke rolled along the rocky heights and hid 
the combatants from view. Yet, in that terrible 
moment, ere the excitement of contest had strung 
the nerves to indifference. Colonel Marshall beheld 
unmoved the rushings of an army, and, calling his 
little band around him, prepared for their charge. 
Gallantly did they wrestle for victory for three 
dreadful hours, till many a gallant form sank low 
and the sharp rocks ran red with human blood. 
When the sun arose the armies were rushing and 
roiling over the bloody plain, while high over all 
the din of war soared above the scene and rolled in 
broken echoes in the distance. 

Yet this was but the beginning of the fray. At 
eight o'clock one dense, deep column came on in 



BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 365 

steady movement against the American centre. The 
eye of Washington and his artillerists watched their 
movement as he waited in stern silence their ap- 
proach. On they came, over rocks and ledges 
and ravines, rising and lowering as if the whole 
mass were gifted with one soul. They passed 
artillery-range, and a wild shout arose, — the fond 
anticipation of victory. Ere its tones had ebbed 
away another noise was heard, — the sound of death. 
From side to side of that living column the heavy 
balls ploughed their maddening way, sweeping down 
the young, the brave, the ambitious, in weltering 
heaps. Then the thrilling cries of command, the 
closing of the severed ranks, and the onward tread, 
succeeded. But a second and a third time that 
dread battery poured forth, tearing and scattering 
the column like the sweep of a hurricane. Panic- 
struck, the lines rolled back ; and, when another roar 
came forth, thousands sent up a yell of horror, and 
rushed back over groaning piles and flying masses, 
leaving behind them their bleeding, dying comrades. 

With grief and dismay the Mexican general 
beheld the rout of this column, and prepared to 
redeem it. Under cover of the rocks, his cavalry 
and a large infantry force united in one body and 
issued forth to assault the left wing. This had been 
the first point of attack, and was now reinforced by 
the Illinois and Indiana regiments and the artillery 
of Captain O'Brien. 

Riding along his lines. General Lane pointed to 
the coming hosts and called on each man to re- 
member that he was an American. Throwing the 
artillery rapidly forward, he ordered the second 



366 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

Indiana regiment to support it, and, placing himself 
by the soldiers of Illinois, watched the progress of 
his foe. They came in massive column, certain of 
victory, shouting as though in pursuit. Then the 
battle opened. Every eye was fixed upon this 
quarter, and many a brave heart, who all that morn- 
ing had toiled amid blood and death, now grew sick 
at the anticipated result. Sweeping through the 
heavy Mexican phalanx, the shot mowed down 
whole columns and levelled the cavalry like an 
Alpine storm ; yet sternly the lines closed, and, with- 
out giving a glance at the wounded, pressed on. 
Then another road opened ; swords and mangled 
masses flew in the air, and scores of horses rolled 
over each other in death. Yet now the blood of 
Mexico was aroused. With pale, compressed lips, 
and eyes that flashed fire, they spurned the dead 
beneath their feet and pressed forward. The Ame- 
rican force began to melt at their approach, and the 
artillery was surrounded with the dead. But, sweep- 
ing over the field through death and smoke, General 
Lane urged his troops to be firm ; while O'Brien, 
leaping from his horse, seized a gun, and, though the 
balls leaped and whistled around him, kept the 
artillerists to their guns. Now a horse would plunge 
and fall dead; then a ball would tear a comrade from 
his side and sweep amid the supporting infantry. 
Still the battle went on, rocking and thundering in 
the mountains and flaming along the plain like the 
eruption of a volcano. 

But there was a page dark and unfortunate in this 
tale of glory. At this moment, when the energies of 
every man were required to insure victory, the In- 



BATTLE OF CUENA VISTA. 367 

diana regiment moved rapidly from their station 
and commenced an inglorious retreat. Appalled at 
the sight, the staff-officers galloped across their path, 
and, seizing the regimental colors, called on the troops 
to remember their country. But the appeal was 
vain. A few brave spirits disengaged themselves 
from the mass; but the rest left the field and its 
glory to be won by worthier hands. 

Inspired by this success, the Mexicans poured on 
in exulting shouts which drowned the hurry of battle. 
Sure of victory, each lancer rose in his stirrup and 
dashed down on the artillery in the fiercest haste. 
Yet those gallant few were undismayed. Exhausted 
with incessant labor, and deserted by their infantry, 
they bore up through danger and uproar until every 
horse was killed or wounded, and but a few men, 
standing here and there, told where the companj^ 
had been. Yet the stern captain refused to yield, 
until his soldiers, less in number than the cannon, 
fell into confusion. Then, remounting his wounded 
horse, he sullenly ordered a retreat : the next moment 
the opposing cavalry dashed on the battery and his 
guns were lost. 

But at that moment the shrill voice of General 
Wool came ringing over the field : — " Illinois, Illinois 
to the rescue !" and then the fiery sons of the West, 
panting for conflict and revenge, opened their volleys 
of musketry. But that living avalanche was not to 
be stopped. Then the Mississippians planted them- 
selves in the fatal path and awaited the struggle. 
All around, farther than sight could reach, horse- 
men, artillery, and inflmtry, were concentrating upon 
these devoted regiments. The wild blood danced 



368 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

through every form, and hope and fear were in- 
tensely bent upon one point. Still the tall form of 
Wool was seen gliding from company to company, 
shouting that stirring appeal and filling every heart 
with fire. 

But before the charge another voice was heard, 
more thrilling, more potent, than that of Wool. 
Sweeping along on his white horse, General Taylor 
rode between the armies, while his name went up 
from three thousand voices, and each soul was wound 
to enthusiasm at the mighty shout. Before that wild 
battle-cry was over the Mexicans were towering 
upon our troops for the final struggle. Then Captain 
Bragg galloped into battery, and the next moment 
thousands of rifles, muskets, and heavy ordnance, 
were scattering death amid opposing multitudes. 
The armies reeled to and fro under the dreadful dis- 
charges, while whole ranks sank down beneath their 
comrades' feet. The reputation of each nation, each 
general, each soldier, was at stake. Again and again 
the enemy were poured upon our ranks, and as often 
rolled back before the showers of iron hail that 
crushed and overwhelmed their columns. Sometimes 
there was a pause, and the moans of the dying and 
shrieks of the wounded rose on the air. Then the 
battling, the trampling and shouting, mingled in one 
horrible din and mounted up to heaven. Nobly did 
our troops do their duty. Every advance of the 
Mexicans was met with unshaken fortitude, and 
each soldier fought as though victory rested with 
him. Broken and repulsed, the enemy commenced 
their disastrous retreat. Strewn over the ledges 
and gullies, or piled in black masses, their dead and 



BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 369 

disabled marked the whole line of their march. Yet 
over these the terrified lancers rode, grinding them 
into the earth and completing what the artillery 
had begun. Ranks were trodden down by their 
comrades or whirled over the slippery rocks. Then 
they burst among the infantry, overthrowing column 
after column and scattering the flower of the army 
like chaff. On the shouting Americans poured, 
blighting those splendid companies with their terrible 
discharges and sweeping the entire field. Still the 
war-cry of Wool, the shout for Taylor, went up and 
urged the troops to pursuit. Far in advance of tlieir 
companions, the Kentucky regiment, under Clay and 
McKee, pushed after the fugitives until they became 
entangled among the ravines and passes on the left. 
Seizing this ftxvorable moment, the cavalry wheeled 
around and attacked these troops with their whole 
force, and the fearful work once more commenced. 
All day those gallant sons of Kentucky had toiled 
and fought ; and now, pent up among rocky gorges 
and facing an entire army, they struggled on till 
night. Their colonels fell dead ; but round their 
bodies the soldiers gathered and fought hand to hand 
with their cruel foe. But the contest was too un- 
equal. Back through the ravines where they had 
lately passed in triumphant pursuit they were now 
driven, and the day once more seemed lost. But 
the artillery again met the enemy, drove them 
back, and secured the victory. General Taylor had 
triumphed. 

Overcome by exhaustion, the Americans sank 
upon the field in their equipments, and night closed 
upon the scene of slaughter. Two thousand, friends 

24 



370 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

and foes, were already on the field, dead, dying, and 
wounded. Groans of agony, shrieks of pain, had 
succeeded to the thrilling shouts of the day, and 
were making night hideous. In the morning those 
mangled heaps were bounding and elastic with life ; 
now they were maimed forever. 

This great battle, by far the most remarkable of 
the war, was the last military achievement of Gene- 
ral Taylor. 



SIEGE OF VERA CRUZ. 




VERA CRUZ. 



SIEGE OF VERA CRUZ. 

Soon after the commencement of actual hostilities 
between the United States and Mexico, Scott re- 
quested permission of Government to join General 
Taylor with a large army and push forward for the 
enemy's capital. This was denied him, and he 
remained at Washington until November. Receiving 
orders to proceed to the seat of war, he embarked 
from New York, and reached the mouth of the Rio 
Grande, January 1, 1847. After mustering an 
army of nearly 12,000 men, part of tliera from 
General Taylor's force, he proceeded against the city 
and castle of Vera Cruz, the first object of his cam- 
paign. The following graphic description of the 
landing of the troops and siege of the city is from 
the pen of an eye-witness : — 

" On the 5th day of March, 1847, while the Ame- 



372 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

rican squadron was lying at Anton Lizardo, a norther 
sprang up and commenced blowing with great vio- 
lence. The ships rolled and pitched, and tugged at 
their anchors as if striving to tear them from their 
hold, while the sea was white with foam. About 
noon, General Scott's fleet of transports, destined for 
the reduction of Vera Cruz, came like a great white 
cloud bearing down before the storm. The whole 
eastern horizon looked like a wall of canvas. Vessel 
after vessel came flying in under reduced sail, until 
the usually quiet harbor was crowded with them. A 
perfect wilderness of spars and rigging met the eye 
at every turn; and for five days all was bustle, 
activity, and excitement. Officers of the two ser- 
vices were visiting about from ship to ship ; drums 
were beating, bands of music playing, and every 
thing told of an approaching conflict. 

" On the lOtli the army were conveyed in huge 
surf-boats from the transports to the diflerent ships- 
of-war, which immediately got under way for Vera 
Cruz. During the passage down to the city I was 
in the foretop of the United States sloop-of-war 
Albany, from which place I had a good view of all 
that occurred. It was a 'sight to see!' The tall 
ships-of-war sailing leisurely along under their top- 
sails, their decks thronged in every part with dense 
masses of troops, whose bright muskets and bayonets 
were flashing in the sunbeams, the jingling of spurs 
and sabres, the bands of music playing, the hum of 
the multitude rising up like the murmur of the dis- 
tant ocean, the small steamers plying about, their 
decks crowded with anxious spectators, the long 
lines of surf boats towing astern of the ships, ready 



SIEGE OF VERA CRUZ. 373 

to disembark the troops, — all these tended to render 
the scene one of the deepest interest. 

" About three o'clock p.m. the armada arrived 
abreast of the little desert island of Sacrificia, where 
the time-worn walls and battlements of Vera Cruz 
and the old grim castle of San Juan d'Ulloa, with 
their ponderous cannon, tier upon tier, basking in 
the yellow rays of the sun, burst upon our view. It 
was a most beautiful — nay, a sublime — sight, that 
embarkation. I still retained my position in the fore- 
top, and was watching every movement with the 
most anxious interest; for it was thought by many 
that the enemy would oppose the landing of our 
troops. About four o'clock the huge surf-boats, 
each capable of conveying 100 men, were hauled 
to the gangways of the different men-of-war, and 
quickly laden with their ' warlike fraughtage,' 
formed in a single line, nearly a mile in length, 
and, at a given signal, commenced slowly moving 
towards the Mexican shore. It was a grand spec- 
tacle ! On, on went the long range of boats, loaded 
down to the gunwales with brave men, the rays of 
the slowly-departing sun resting upon their uniforms 
and bristling bayonets and wrapping the far-inland 
and fantastic mountains of Mexico in robes of gold. 
On they went, the measured stroke of the countless 
oars mingling with the hoarse dull roar of the 
trampling surf upon the sandy beach and the 
shriek of the myriads of sea-birds soaring high in 
air, until the boats struck the shore, and, quick as 
thought, our army began to land. At this instant 
the American flag was planted, and, unrolling its 
folds, floated proudly out upon the evening breeze; 



374 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

the crews of the men-of-war made the welkin ring 
with their fierce cheering; and a dozen bands of 
music, at the same time, and as if actuated by one 
impulse, struck up — 

" ' 'Tis the star-spangled banner ! Oh, long may it wave 
O'er the laud of the free and the home of the brave !' 

'' Early the next morning the old grim castle of 
San Juan d'Ulloa commenced trying the range of its 
heavy guns, throwing Paixhan shells at the enemy, 
and continued it at intervals for a week ; but, with 
the exception of an occasional skirmish with a party 
of the enemy's lancers, they had all the fun to them- 
selves. In the mean time our forces went quietly 
on with their preparations, stationing their pickets, 
planting their heavy mortars, landing their horses, 
provisions, and munitions of war, constantly annojed 
with a ceaseless fire from the Mexican batteries, 
which our troops were as yet too busy to return. 

" On the 24th Lieutenant Oliver Hazard Perry, 
with a zeal worthy of his illustrious father, ' the 
hero of Lake Erie,' dismounted one of the waist- 
guns of the Albany, a sixty-eight-pounder, procured 
a number of volunteers who would willingly have 
charged up to the muzzles of the Mexican cannon 
with such a leader, and, taking about forty rounds 
of Paixhan shells, proceeded on shore, where, after 
dragging his gun through the sand for three miles, 
he arrived at a small fortification which the engineers 
had constructed of sand-bags for him, and there 
planted his engine of destruction in a situation 
which commanded the whole city of Vera Cruz. 
Roused by such a gallant example, guns from each 



SIEGE OF VERA CRUZ. OiO 

of the other ships of the squadron were disembarked 
and conveyed to the breastwork, which was as yet 
concealed from the eyes of the Mexicans by being 
in the rear of an ahnost impervious chapparal, and 
in a short time a most formidable fortress was com- 
pleted, which was styled the Naval Battery. 

"At this period General Scott, having quietly 
made all his arrangements while a constant shower 
of shot and shell were thrown at his army by the 
enemy, sent a flag of truce, with a summons for the 
immediate surrender of the city of Vera Cruz and 
the castle of San Juan d'UUoa, and with a full un- 
derstanding that unless his demand was immediately 
complied with an attack would follow. As a mat- 
ter of course, the Mexicans, expecting an assault, 
for which they were well prepared, and not a bom- 
bardment, returned an indignant refusal, and were 
told that at four o'clock p.m. they should hear 
further from us. In the mean time the chapparal 
had been cut away, disclosing the Naval Battery to 
the gaze of the astonished Mexicans, and the mortars 
and heavy artillery which had been planted upon 
the hills overlooking the city and were ready to 
vomit forth their fires of death. Every person was 
now waiting with trembling anxiety the commence- 
ment of the fray. 

" About four o'clock p.m., while the crews of the 
squadron were all at supper, a sudden and tre- 
mendous roar of artillery on shore proclaimed that 
the battle had begun. The tea-things were left to 
' take care of themselves,' and pellmell tumbled sick 
and well up the ladders to the spar-deck. I followed 
with the human tide, and soon found myself in the 



376 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC; 

foretop of the Albany, and, looking around me, a 
sublime but terrific sight my elevated perch pre- 
sented to the view. Some two hundred sail of 
vessels were lying immediately around us, their 
tops, cross-trees, yards, shrouds, — every thing where 
a foothold could be obtained, — crowded with human 
beings, clustered like swarming bees in midsummer 
on the trees, all intently watching the battle. I 
turned my eyes on shore. Jonathan had at last 
awakened from his slumber and had set to work in 
earnest. Bomb-shells were flying like hailstones 
into Vera Cruz from every quarter; sulphureous 
flashes, clouds of smoke, and the dull boom of the 
heavy guns, arose from the walls of the city in re- 
turn, while ever and anon a red sheet of flame 
would leap from the great brass mortars on the 
ramparts of the grim castle, followed by a report 
which fairly made the earth tremble. The large 
ships of the squadron could not approach near 
enough to the shore to participate in the attack 
upon the city without exposing them to the fire of 
the castle ; but all the gun-boats, small steamers, 
and every thing that could be brought to bear upon 
the enemy, were sent in and commenced blazing 
away : — a steady stream of fire, like the red glare of 
a volcano ! This state of things continued until 
sunset, when the small vessels were called off*; but 
the mortars kept throwing shells into the devoted 
town the livelong night. I was watching them 
until after midnight, and it was one of the most 
striking displays that I ever beheld. 

*' A huge black cloud of smoke hung like a pall 
over the American army, completely concealing it 



SIEGE OF VERA CRUZ. 377 

from view ; the Mexicans had ceased firing, in order 
to prevent our troops from directing their guns by 
the flashes from the walls; but the bombardiers had 
obtained the exact range before dark, and kept 
thundering away, every shell falling directly into 
the doomed city. Suddenly a vivid, lightning-like 
flash would gleam for an instant upon the black pall 
of smoke hanging over our lines, and then, as the 
roar of the great mortar came borne to our ears, the 
ponderous shell would be seen to dart upwards like a 
meteor, and, after describing a semicircle in the air, 
descend with a loud crash upon the housetops or 
into the resounding streets of the fated city. Then, 
after a brief but awful moment of suspense, a lurid 
glare, illuminating for an instant the white domes 
and grim fortresses of Vera Cruz, falling into ruins 
with the shock, and the echoing crash that came 
borne to our ears, told that the shell had exploded 
and executed its terrible mission ! 

" Throughout the whole night these fearful missiles 
were travelling into the city in one continued stream; 
but the enemy did not return the fire. At daylight, 
however, the Mexicans again opened their batteries 
upon our army with the most determined bravery. 

" About eight o'clock A. m. the gallant Perry and 
his brave associates, having finished the mounting 
of their guns and completed all their arrangements, 
opened with a tremendous roar the Naval Battery 
upon the west side of the city, and were innne- 
diately answered from four distinct batteries of the 
enemy. The firm earth trembled beneath the dis- 
charge of these ponderous guns, and the shot flew 
like hail into the town, and were returned with 



378 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

interest by the Mexicans. Their heavy guns were 
served with wonderful precision ; and almost every 
shot struck the little fort, burst open the sand-bags 
of which it was constructed, and covered our brave 
officers and men with a cloud of dust. Many shot 
and shell w^ere thrown directly through the embra- 
sures ; and, to use the expression of one of our old tars 
who had been in several engagements, ' The red-skins 
handled their long thirty-twos as if they had been 
rifles!' Several of our men and one officer had 
fallen; but the remainder of the brave fellows kept 
blazing away, while the forts and ramparts of the 
city began to crumble to the earth. This state of 
things continued until the 27th, the army throwing 
a constant shower of bombs into the city, and the 
Naval Battery (manned daily by fresh officers and 
men) beating down the fortifications and destroy- 
ing every thing within its range, when a flag of 
truce was sent out with an otter, which was imme- 
diately accepted, of an unconditional surrender of 
the city of Vera Cruz and the castle of San Juan 
d'Ulloa." 



BATTLE OF CERRO GORDO. 



379 








GENERAL SHIELDS WOUNDED. 

BATTLE OF CERRO GORDO. 

General Scott remained about two weeks at Vera 
Cruz and then set out for the capital. On the 17th 
of April he arrived at the pass of Cerro Gordo, where 
General Santa Anna was intrenched with 11,000 
men. On the same day Scott issued the following 
celebrated order : — 

" The enemy's whole line of intrenchments and 
batteries will be attacked in front, and at the same 
time turned, early in the day to-morrow, — probably 
before ten o'clock a.m. 

"The second (Twiggs's) division of regulars is 
already advanced within easy turning-distance to- 
wards the enemy's left. That division has orders to 
move forward before daylight to-morrow and take 



380 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

up position across the National Eoad to the enemy's 
rear, so as to cut off a retreat towards Jalapa. It 
may be reinforced to-day, if unexpectedly attacked 
in force, by regiments one or two, taken from 
Shields's brigade of volunteers. If not, the two 
volunteer regiments will march for that purpose at 
daylight to-morrow morning, under Brigadier-Gene- 
ral Shields, who will report to Brigadier-General 
Twiggs on getting up with him, or the general-in- 
chief, if he be in advance. 

" The remaining regiment of that volunteer bri- 
gade will receive instructions in the course of this day. 

" The first division of regulars (Worth's) will fol- 
low the movement against the enemy's left at sun- 
rise to-morrow morning. 

"As already arranged, Brigadier-General Pillow's 
brigade will march at six o'clock to-morrow morning 
along the route he has carefully reconnoitred, and 
stand ready as soon as he hears the report of arms 
on our right — sooner, if circumstances should favor 
him — to pierce the enemy's line of batteries at such 
point — the nearer the river the better — as he may 
select. Once in the rear of that line, he will turn to 
the right or left, or both, and attack the batteries in 
reverse, or, if abandoned, he will pursue the enemy 
with vigor until further orders. 

" Wall's field-battery and the cavelry will be held 
in reserve on the National Eoad, a little out of view 
and range of the enemy's batteries. They will take 
up that position at nine o'clock in the morning. 

" The enemy's batteries being carried or aban- 
doned, all our divisions and corps will pursue with 
vigor. 



BATTLE OF CERRO GORDO. 381 

" This pursuit may be continued many miles, un- 
til stopped by darkness or fortified positions towards 
Jalapa, Consequently the body of the army will 
not return to this encampment, but be followed to- 
morrow afternoon, or early the next morning, by 
the baggage-trains for the several corps. For this 
purpose the feebler officers and men of each corps 
will be left to guard his camp and effects and to load 
up the latter in the wagons of the corps. 

"As soon as it shall be known that the enemy's 
works have been carried, or that the general pursuit 
has been commenced, one wagon for each regiment 
and one for the cavalry will follow the movement, 
to receive, under the directions of medical officers, 
the wounded, who will be brought back to this place 
for treatment in the general hospital. 

" The surgeon-general will organize this important 
service and designate that hospital, as well as the 
medical officers to be left at that place. 

" Every man who marches out to attack or pursue 
the enemy will take the usual allowance of ammuni- 
tion, and subsistence for at least two days." 

This document is fi\mous for its exact delineation 
of every movement of the battle, with one single ex- 
ception, the day before the action really took place. 
This is shown by the annexed report, written after 
the engagement : — 

" The plan of attack sketched in General Orders 
No. Ill, herewith, was finely executed by this gal- 
lant army before two o'clock p.m. yesterday. We 
are quite embarrassed with the results of victory, — 
prisoners of war, heavy ordnance, field-batteries, 
small arms, and accoutrements. About 3000 men 



n 



382 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

laid down their arms, with the usual proportion of 
field and compjiny officers, besides five generals, 
several of them of great distinction, — Pinson, Jarrero, 
La Vega, Noriega, and Obando. A sixth general, 
Vasquez, was killed in defending the battery (tower) 
in the rear of the whole Mexican army, the capture 
of which gave us those glorious results. 

" Our loss, though comparatively small in num- 
bers, has been serious. Brigadier-General Shields, 
a commander of activity, zeal, and talent, is, I fear, 
if not dead, mortally wounded. He is some five 
miles from me at this moment. The field of opera- 
tions covered many miles, broken by mountains and 
deep chasms, and I have not a report, as yet, from 
any division or brigade. Twiggs's division, followed 
by Shields's (now Colonel Baker's) brigade, are now 
at or near Jalapa, *and Worth's division is en route 
thither, all pursuing, with good results, as I learn, 
that part of the Mexican army — perhaps 6000 or 
7000 men — who fled before our right had carried the 
tower and gained the Jalapa road. Pillow's bri- 
gade alone is near me at this depot of wounded, 
sick, and prisoners; and I have time only to give 
from him the names of First Lieutenant P. B. Nelson 
and Second Lieutenant C. G. Gill, both of the 2d 
Tennessee foot, (Haskell's regiment,) among the 
killed, and in the brigade 106, of all ranks, killed 
or wounded. Among the latter the gallant brigadier- 
general himself has a smart wound in the arm, but 
not disabled, and Major R. Farqueson, 2d Tennessee 
foot, Captain H. F. Murray, Second Lieutenant G. 
T. Sutherland, First Lieutenant W. P. Hale, (adju- 
tant,) all of the same regiment, severely; and First 



BATTLE OF CEERO GORDO. 383 

Lieutenant W. Yearwood, mortally wounded. And 
I know, from personal observation on the ground, 
that First Lieutenant Ewell, of the Rifles, if not now 
dead, was mortally wounded, in entering, sword in 
hand, the intrenchments around the captured tower. 
Second Lieutenant Derby, topographical engineers, I 
also saw, at the same place, severely wounded ; and 
Captain Patten, 2d United States infantry, lost his 
right hand. 

" Major Sumner, 2d United States dragoons, was 
slightly wounded the day before, and Captain Johns- 
ton, topographical engineers, — now lieutenant-colo- 
nel of infantry, — was severely wounded some days 
earlier, while reconnoitring. 

" I must not omit to add that Captain Mason and 
Second Lieutenant Davis, both of the Rifles, were 
among the very severely wounded in storming the 
same tower. I estimate our total loss in killed and 
wounded may be about 250, and that of the enemy 
350. In the pursuit towards Jalapa (twenty-five miles 
hence) I learn we have added much to the enemy's 
loss in prisoners, killed, and wounded. In fact, I 
suppose his retreating army to be nearly disorgan- 
ized, and hence my haste to follow in an hour or 
two to profit by events. 

" In this hurried and imperfect report I must not 
omit to say that Brigadier-General Twiggs, in pass- 
ing the mountain-range beyond Cerro Gordo, crowned 
with the tower, detached from his division, as I sug- 
gested before, a strong force to carry that height, 
which commanded the Jalapa road at the foot, and 
could not fail, if carried, to cut off the whole or any 
part of the enemy's forces from a retreat in any 



384 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

direction, A portion of the 1st artillery, under the 
often-distinguished Brevet-Colonel Childs, the 3d in- 
fantry, under Captain Alexander, the 7th infantrj^, 
under Lieutenant-Colonel Plymton, and the Rifles, un- 
der Major Loring, all under the temjDorary command 
of Colonel Harney, 2d dragoons, during the confine- 
ment to his bed of Brevet Brigadier-General P. F. 
Smith, composed that detachment. The style of 
execution, which I had the pleasure to witness, was 
most brilliant and decisive. The brigade ascended 
the long and difficult slope of Cerro Gordo, without 
shelter and under the tremendous fire of artillery 
and musketry, with the utmost steadiness, reached 
the breastworks, drove the enemy from them, planted 
the colors of the 1st artillery, 3d and 7th infantry, 
— the enemy's flag still flying, — and, after some 
minutes of sharp firing, finished the conquest with 
the bayonet. 

" It is a most pleasing duty to say that the highest 
praise is due to Harney, Childs, Plymton, Loring, 
Alexander, their gallant officers and men, for this 
brilliant service, independent of the great results 
which soon followed. 

"Worth's division of regulars coming up at this 
time, he detached Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel C. F. 
Smith, with his light battalion, to support the assault, 
but not in time. The general, reaching the tower 
a few minutes before me, and observing a white flag 
displayed from the nearest portion of the enemy to- 
wards the batteries below, sent out Colonels Harney 
and Childs to hold a parley. The surrender followed 
in an hour or two. 

" Major-General Patterson left a sick bed to share 



BATTLE OF CERRO GORDO. 385 

in the dangers and fatigues of the day, and, after the 
surrender, went forward to command the advanced 
forces towards Jahapa. 

" Brigadier-General Pillow and his brigade twice 
assaulted with great daring the enemy's line of bat- 
teries on our left; and, though without success, they 
contributed much to distract and dismay their im- 
mediate opponents. 

"President Santa x\nna, with Generals Canalizo 
and Almonte, and some 6000 or 8000 men, escaped 
towards Jalapa just before Cerro Gordo was carried 
and before Twiggs's division reached the National 
Road above. 

"I have determined to parole the prisoners, — offi- 
cers and men, — as I have not the means of feeding 
them here beyond to-day, and cannot afford to detach 
a heavy body of horse and foot, 'with wagons, to ac- 
company them to Vera Cruz. Our baggage-train, 
though increasing, is not yet half large enough to 
give an assured progress to this army. Besides, a 
greater number of prisoners would probably escape 
from the escort in the long and deep sandy road, 
without subsistence, — ten to one, — that we shall find 
again, out of the same body of men, in the ranks op- 
posed to us. Not one of the Vera Cruz prisoners is 
believed to have been in the lines of Cerro Gordo. 
Some six of the officers highest in rank refuse to 
give their paroles, except to go to Vera Cruz, and 
thence, perhaps, to the United States. 

"The small arms and their accoutrements beins; 
of no value to our army here or at home, I have 
ordered them to be destroyed ; for we have not the 
means of transporting them. I am also somewhat 

25 



386 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE EEPUBLIC. 

embarrassed with the pieces of artillery — all 

bronze — which we have captured. It will take a 
brigade and half the mules of this army to transport 
them fifty miles. A field-battery I shall take for 
service with the army; but the heavy metal must 
be collected and left here for the present. We have 
our own siege-train and the proper carriages with us. 

" Being much occupied with the prisoners and all 
the details of a forward movement, besides looking 
to the supplies which are to follow from Vera Cruz, 
I have time to add no more, — intending to be at 
Jalapa early to-morrow. We shall not, probably, 
again meet with serious opposition this side of Perote ; 
— certainly not, unless delayed by the want of means 
of transportation. 

" I invite attention to the accompanying letter to 
President Santa Anna, taken in his carriage yester- 
day; also to his proclamation, issued on hearing that 
we had captured Vera Cruz, &c., in which he says, 
'If the enemy advance one step more the national 
independence will be buried in the abyss of the past.' 
We have taken that step. 

" One of the principal motives for paroling the 
prisoners of war is to diminish the resistances of 
other garrisons in our march." 



BATTLE OF COXTRERAS. 




BATTLE OF CONIRERAS. 



BATTLES OF CONTRERAS AND CHURU- 
BUSCO. 

After the capture of Puebla by General Worth, 
(May 15,) the army remained there until the 7th 
of August, when it commenced its march for the 
Mexican capital. An excellent description of this 
march and of the great battles consequent upon it 
is given by a participator : — 

" We left Puebla on the morning of the 7th, and 
entered upon a beautiful rolling country of great 
fertility, supplying with its gardens the inhabitants 
of Puebla with food, and surrounded by lofty moun- 
tains, some of which were covered with snow. Our 
road was gradually ascending, and so good that on 
looking back from the head of the column our tniin 
could be seen for miles in the rear, dotting with its 



388 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

snow-white tops the maguey-covered plain. On our 
left was Popocatapetl and Iscatafetl, the snow on 
their not-distant tops rendering the air quite chilly. 
General Scott did not leave with us, but came on 
the next day with Captain Kearney's dragoons. 

"The second day's march was, like the first, 
gradually ascending, passing through defiles, narrow 
passes, and over deep chasms, where a more deter- 
mined enemy might have seriously annoyed us by 
merely making use of the obstacles nature every- 
where presented. Thick woods of the finest forest- 
trees were abundant, and the ruire:ed nature of the 

/ CO 

country would readily carry one back to the northern 
parts of New England or the passes of the ' Notch.' 
Here and there beautiful little lakes were inter- 
spersed in the deep valleys, and the clearness and 
coldness of their waters were almost incredible. 

" The third day we were to encounter the much- 
vaunted pass of Rio Frio, and also the passage of 
the mountain which was to lead us to the El Dorado 
of our hopes, — the great plain of Mexico. Our march 
was to be long and difficult, and three o'clock saw us 
under Avay, with heart and hopes full of the prospect 
before us. The dreaded defile is reached and passed. 
Tlie mountains which skirt the road on the left here 
close upon it for about a mile, overhanging and 
enfilading it completely and affording with their 
crests most excellent coverings for an enemy's 
marksmen. The newly-cut trees and long range of 
breastworks thrown up on the crest showed us that 
preparations had been made; while numerous para- 
pets, with embrasures in the logs, taught us what 
might have been done. But no men were there; 



BATTLE OF CONTRERAS. 389 

the muskets and cannon were gone. Valencia, with 
GOOO Mexicans, was full a day's march ahead, making 
for Mexico with a speed which betrayed home-sick- 
ness. Eio Frio was found to be a little stream 
pouring down from the Snow Mountain, of icy cold- 
ness and crystal purity. After a slight pause for 
refreshment we commenced our ascent of the ridge 
which separates the plains of Puebla and Mexico, 
the former of which it had hitherto skirted. For 
several long miles we toiled up the hill, only recom- 
pensed for our labor by what we hoped to attain at 
last. When all were pretty nearly worn out, a sud- 
den turn in the road brou2;ht to our view a sit>;ht 
which none can ever forget. The whole vast plain 
of Mexico was before us. The coldness of the air, 
which was most sensibly felt at this great height, 
our fatigue and danger were forgotten, and our eyes 
were the only sense that thought of enjoyment. 
Mexico, with its lofty steeples and its checkered 
domes, its bright reality and its former fame, its 
modern splendor and its ancient magnificence, was 
before us ; while around on every side its thousand 
lakes seemed like silver stars on a velvet mantle. 

" We encamped that night at the base of the 
mountain, with the enemy's scouts on every side of 
us. The next day we reached Ayotla, only fifteen 
miles from Mexico by the National Road, which we 
had hitherto been following. Here we halted until 
Generals Quitman, Pillow, and Worth, with their 
divisions, should come up. We were separated from 
the city by the marshes which surround Lake 
Tezcuco and by the lake itself. The road is a 
causeway running through the marsh, and is com- 



390 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE KEPUBLIC. 

manded by a steep and lofty hill called El Pinnol. 
This hill completely enfilades and commands the 
National Road, and had been fortified and repaired 
with the greatest care by Santa Anna. One side 
was inaccessible by nature ; the rest had been made 
so by art. Batteries, in all mounting fifty guns of 
different calibres, had been placed on its sides, and a 
deep ditch, twenty-four feet wide and ten deep, filled 
with water, had been cut, connecting the parts 
already surrounded by marshes. On this side Santa 
Anna had 25,000 men against our force of a little 
over 9000 all told. 

"On the 22d we made a reconnoissance of the 
work, which was pronounced impracticable, as the 
lives of 5000 men would be lost before the ditch 
could be crossed. We continued our search, and 
found another road which went round on the left, 
but when within five miles of the city were halted 
by coming suddenly upon five strong batteries on the 
hill which commanded this road, at a place called 
Mexicalcingo. We soon countermarched, and then 
saw our danger. With one regiment and three com- 
panies of cavalry, in all about 400 men, we saw that 
El Pinnol lay directly between us and our camp, 
distant full fifteen miles. Every eye was fixed on 
the hill, with the ex^^ectation of an approaching 
column which should drive us back into a Mexican 
prison, while we stepped off with the speed and 
endurance of four hundred Captain Barclays ! At 
about midnight we arrived safely at camp, and Gene- 
ral Scott did us the honor of calling it ' the boldest 
reconnoissance of the war.' General Worth was en- 
camped about five miles off, — that is, in a straight 



BATTLE OF CONTRERAS. 391 

line, — across the Lake Clialco, at a place of the same 
name, but about ten miles by the road. The Mexi- 
cans had a foundry in the mountains, at which we 
were getting some shells made, and on returning 
from which Lieutenant Schuyler Hamilton was 
badly wounded. 

^' By means of his scouts, General Worth had 
found a path round the left of Lake Chalco, wdiich 
led us to the western gate of the city, and which, 
up to that time, had not been fortified. On the 14th 
the other divisions commenced their march, while we 
brought up the train and the rear. In the morning 
the train was sent in advance, while Smith's brigade 
acted as rear-guard. It was composed of the RiHes, 
1st artillery, and the 3d infantry, with Taylor's 
battery. As the rear-guard, marching slowly along, 
reached with the train, word came to General Twiggs 
that a force of about 5000 men were trying to cross 
the road between them and the train in order to cut 
it off. We were then passing through a small village 
which, by a curious coincidence, was called Buena 
Yista. On our left were large fields of half-grown 
barley, through which was seen advancing, in splendid 
order, the enemy's colunni. It was the most splendid 
sight I had ever seen. The yellow cloaks, red caps 
and jackets of the lancers, and the bright blue and 
white uniforms of the infjxntry, were most beautifully 
contrasted with the green of the barleylield. Our 
line of battle was soon formed, and we deployed 
through the grain to turn their left and cut them 
off from the mountains. A few shots, however, 
from the battery, soon showed them that they were 
observed ; and, countermarching in haste, they left 



392 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

tlieir dead on the field. Thus ended our fight of 
Buena Vista. That night we stayed at Chalco. The 
next day we made a long and toilsome march over a 
horrible road, through which, with the utmost diffi- 
culty, we dragged our wagons by the assistance of 
both men and mules. The next was nearly the 
same, except that the road w^as, if possible, worse 
than before, as the Mexicans had blocked it up with 
large stones rolled down from the neighboring hills. 
This night we encamped at a most beautiful olive- 
grove, of immense size and accommodating at once 
both divisions. In the town, as well as in Chalco, 
there are still standing the churches of the Indians 
where the fire-worshippers assembled before Cortez 
had introduced a new religion. They are large and 
sombre edifices, differing but little from the churches 
of this country, and, being near the city, are said 
to have been formerly resorted to by the ancient 
kings. 

" The next day we arrived in sight of the rest of 
the army and heard the guns with which Worth 
was breaching the walls of San Antonio. That 
night the news of the death of Captain Thornton, 
of the 2d dragoons, reached us. He was a brave 
officer and a thorough gentleman, but was always 
unfortunate in his military career. 

"On the morning of the 19th we left the little 
village where we had heard this sad news, and took 
the road to San Juan, about seven miles to the west 
and only about ten miles from the city, When we 
arrived here we heard the sound of General Worth's 
guns, who was said to have attacked San Augustine, 
a village three miles nearer the capital, where Santa 



BATTLE OF CONTRERAS. 393 

Anna was said to be with 20,000 men. When we 
arrived at San Juan the men were told to sHncr 
their blankets across their shoulders, put their knap- 
sacks into their wagons, and to put two days' bread 
and beef in their haversacks. When this order 
came all knew that the time had come. The 
officers arranged their effects, put on their old coats, 
and filled their haversacks and flasks. Soon we 
were ready for any thing but a thrashing. We here 
heard the position of the enemy, which was nearly 
as follows : — Santa Anna, with 20,000 men, was at 
San Augustine; Valencia, with 10,000, was at a hill 
called Contreras, which commanded another road 
parallel to the San Augustine road, but which led 
into it between the citv and Santa Anna. Now, bv 
cutting a road across, if we could whip Valencia, we 
could follow the road up and thus get in between 
Santa Anna and Mexico and whip him too. General 
Worth (supported by General Quitman) was to keep 
Santa Anna in check, while Twiggs (backed by Pil- 
low) was to try and astonish Valencia, which you 
will see he did very effectually. Pillow, with some 
of the ten regiments, was to cut the road. 

"We left San Juan about one o'clock, not par- 
ticularly desiring a fight so late in the day, but still 
not shunning it in case we could have a respectable 
chance. About two p.m., as we had crawled to the 
top of a hill, whither we had been ourselves pulling 
Magruder's battery and the mountain-howitzers, we 
suddenly espied Valencia fortified on a hill about 
twelve hundred yards off and strongly reinforced by 
a column which had just come out of the city. We 
lay down close to avoid drawing their fire, while 



394 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

the battery moved past at a full gallop. Just then 
General Smith's manly voice rung out, ' Forward the 
Rifles, to support the battery!' On they went till 
they got about eight hundred yards from the work, 
when the enemy opened npon them with his long 
guns, which were afterwards found to be sixteen and 
eight-inch howitzers. The ground was the worst 
possible for artillery, covered with rocks large and 
small, prickly pear and cactus, intersected by ditches 
filled with water and lined with maguey-plant, itself 
imperviable to cavalry, and with patches of corn 
which concealed the enemy's skirmishers while it 
impeded our own passage. The artillery advanced 
but slowly, under a most tremendous fire, which 
greatly injured it before it could be got in range, and 
the thickness of the undergrowth caused the skir- 
mishers thrown forward to lose their relative posi- 
tion as well as the column. About four the battery 
got in position, under a most murderous fire of grape, 
canister, and round-shot. Here the superiority of 
the enemy's pieces rendered our fire nugatory. We 
could get but three pieces in battery, while they had 
twenty-seven, all of them three times the calibre of 
ours. For two hours our troops stood the storm of 
iron and lead they hailed upon them unmoved. At 
every discharge they lay flat down to avoid the 
storm, and then sprung up to serve the guns. At 
the end of that time two of the guns were dis- 
mounted and we badly hurt : thirteen of the horses 
were killed and disabled and fifteen of the cannoneers 
killed and wounded. The regiment was then re- 
called. The lancers had been repelled in three suc- 
cessive charges. The 3d infantry and 1st artillery 



BATTLE OF CONTKERAS. 



395 



had also engaged and successfully repelled the 
enemy's skirmishers without losing cither officers or 
men. The greatest loss had been at the batteries. 
Officers looked gloomy for the first day's fight ; but 
the brigade was formed, and General Smith in person 
took command. All felt revived, and followed him 
with a yell, as, creeping low to avoid the grajDe, 
(which was coming very fast,) we made a circuit in 
rear of the batteries ; and, passing off to the right, 
we were soon lost to view in the chapparal and 
cactus. 

" Passing over the path that we scrambled 
through, behold us at almost six o'clock in the 
evening, tired, hungry, and sorrowful, emerging 
from the chapparal and crossing the road between it 
and Valencia. Here we found Cadwalader and his 
brigade already formed, and discovered Riley's 
brigade skirmishing in rear of the enemy's works. 
Valencia was ignorant of our approach, and we were 
as yet safe. In front of us was Valencia, strongly 
intrenched on a hill-side and surrounded by a regu- 
lar field-work, concealed from us by an orchard in 
our rear. Mendoza, with a column of 6000, was in 
the road, but thinking us to be friends. On our 
right was a large range of hills whose continued 
crest was parallel to the road and in which were 
formed in line of battle 5000 of the best Mexican 
cavalry. On our left we were separated from our 
own forces by an almost impassable wilderness, and 
it was now twilight. Even Smith looked round for 
help. Suddenly a thousand vivas came across the 
hill-side, like the yells of prairie-wolves in the dead 
of night, and the squadrons on our right formed for 



396 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

charging. Smith is himself again ! ' Face to the 
rear !' ' Wait till you see their red caps, and then 
give it to them !' Furiously they came on a few 
yards, then changed their minds, and, disgusted at 
our cool reception, retired to their couches. 

" On the edge of the road, between us and Va- 
lencia, a Mexican hamlet spread out, with its mud 
huts, large orchards, deep-cut roads, and a strong 
church ; and through the centre of this hamlet ran 
a path parallel to the main road but concealed from 
it : it is nearly a mile long. In this road Smith's 
and Riley's brigade bivouacked. Shields, who came 
up in the night, lay in the orchard, while Cadwalader 
was nearest the enemy's works. As we were within 
range of their batteries, which could enfilade the 
road in which Vv^e lay, we built a stone breastwork 
at either end to conceal ourselves from their view 
and grape. There we were, completely surrounded 
by the enemy, cut off from our communications, 
ignorant of the ground, without artillery, weary, 
dispirited, and dejected. We were a disheartened 
set. With Santa Anna and Salas's promise of ' no 
quarter,' a force of four to one against us, and one- 
half defeated already, no succor from Puebla and 
no news from General Scott, all seemed dark. Sud- 
denly the words came whispered along, ' We storm 
at midnight.' Now we are ourselves again ! But 
what a horrible night ! There we lay, too tired to 
eat, too wet to sleep, in the middle of that muddy 
road, officers and men side by side, with a heavy 
rain pouring down upon us, the officers without 
blankets or overcoats (they had lost them in coming 
across) and the men worn out with fatigue. About 



• BATTLE OF CONTRERAS. 397 

midnight the rain was so heavy that the streams in 
the road flooded us, and there we stood crowded to- 
gether, drenched and benumbed, waiting till dajdight. 
"At half-past three the welcome word ' fall in' was 
passed down, and we commenced our march. The 
enemy's works were on a hill-side, behind which rose 
other and slightly-higher hills, separated by deep 
ravines and gullies and intersected by streams. The 
whole face of the country was of stiff clay, which 
rendered it almost impossible to advance. We 
formed our line about a quarter of a mile from the 
enemy's works, Riley's brigade on our right. At 
about four we started, winding through a thick 
orchard which effectually concealed us, even had it 
not been dark, debouching into a deep ravine which 
ran within about five hundred yards of the work 
and which carried us directlj- in rear and out of 
sight of their batteries. At dawn of day we reached 
our place, after incredible exertions, and got ready for 
our charge. The men threw off their wet blankets 
and looked to their pieces, while the officers got 
ready for a rush, and the first smile that lit up our 
faces for twelve hours boded but little good for the 
Mexicans. On the right, and opposite the right of 
their work, was Riley's brigade of the 2d and 1st 
infantry and 4th artillery, next the Rifles, then the 
1st artillery and 3d infantry. In the rear of our left 
was Cadwalader's brigade, as a support, with Shields's 
brigade in rear as a reserve, — the whole division un- 
der command of General Smith, in the absence of 
General Twiggs. They had a smooth place to rush 
down on the enemy's work, with the brow of the 
hill to keep under until the word was given. 



398 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

"At last, just at dajlight, General Smith, slowly 
walking up, asked if all was ready. A look an- 
swered him. 'Men, forward!' And we did 'for- 
ward.' Springing up at once, Riley's brigade opened, 
when the crack of a hundred rifles startled the Mexi- 
cans from their astonishment, and they opened their 
fire. Useless fire ! for we were so close that they 
overshot us, and, before they could turn their pieces 
on us, we were on them. Then such cheers arose as 
you never heard. The men rushed forward like de- 
mons, yelling and firing the while. The carnage was 
frightful, and, though they fired sharpl}^, it w^as of 
no use. The earthen parapet was cleared in an in- 
stant, and the blows of the stocks could be plainly 
heard mingled wath the yells and groans around. 
Just before the charge was made, a large body of 
lancers came winding up the road, looking most 
splendidly in their brilliant uniforms. They never 
got to the work, but turned and fled. In an instant 
all was one mass of confusion, each trying to be fore- 
most in the flight. The road was literally blocked 
up ; and, while many perished by their own guns, it 
was almost impossible to fire on the mass, from the 
danger of killing our ow^n men. Some fled up the 
ravine on the left or on the right, and many of these 
were slain by turning their own guns on them. To- 
wards the city the Rifles and 2d infantry led off the 
pursuit. Seeing that a large crowd of the fugitives 
were jammed up in a pass in the road, some of our 
men ran through the cornfield, and, by thus head- 
ing them oft' and firing down upon them, about 30 
men took over 500 prisoners, nearly 100 of them 
ofiicers. After disarming the prisoners, as the pur- 



BATTLE OF CONTEERAS. 399 

suit had ceased, we went back to the fort, where 
we found our troops in full possession and the rout 
complete. 

" We found that the enemy's position was much 
stronger than we had supposed and their artillery 
much larger and more abundant. Our own loss was 
small, which may be accounted for by their perfect 
surprise at our charge, as to them we appeared as 
if rising out of the earth, so unperceived was our ap- 
proach. Our loss was one officer killed, — Captain 
Hanson, of the 7th infantry, — Lieutenant Van Bu- 
ren, of the Rifles, shot through the leg, and about 50 
men killed and wounded. Their force consisted of 
8000 men, under Valencia, with a reserve, which 
had not yet arrived, under Santa Anna. Their loss, 
as since ascertained, was as follows : — Killed and 
buried since the fight, 750 ; wounded, 1000 ; and 
1500 prisoners, exclusive of officers, including four 
generals, — Salas, Mendoza, Garcia, and Guadalupe, 
— in addition to dozens of colonels, majors, captains, 
&c. We captured in all on the hill twenty-two 
pieces of cannon, including five eight-inch howitzers, 
two long eighteens, three long sixteens, and several 
of twelve and eight inches, and also the two identical 
six-pounders captured by the Mexicans at Buena 
Vista, taken from Captain Washington's battery of 
the 4tli artillery. The first officer who saw them 
happened to be the officer of the 4th selected by 
General Scott to command the new battery of that 
regiment, — Captain Drum. In addition were taken 
immense quantities of ammunition and muskets; in 
fact, the way was strewed with muskets, escopets, 
lances, and flags, for miles. Large quantities of 



400 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

horses and mules were also captured, though large 
numbers were killed. 

" Thus ended the glorious battle of Contreras, in 
which 2000 men, under General P. F. Smith, com- 
pletely routed and destroyed an army of 8000 men, 
under Getieral Valencia, with Santa Anna and a force 
of 20,000 men within five miles. Their army was so 
completely routed that not 1500 men rejoined Santa 
Anna and participated in the second battle. Most 
people would have thought that a pretty good day's 
work. Not so. We had only saved ourselves, not 
conquered Mexico; and men's w^ork was before us 
yet. 

"At eight o'clock A.m. we formed again, and. 
General Twiggs having taken command, we started 
on the road to Mexico. We had hardly marched a 
mile before we were sharply fired upon from both 
sides of the road, and our right was deployed to 
drive the enemy in. We soon found that we had 
caught up with the retreating party, from the very 
brisk firing in front, and we drove them through the 
little town of San Angelo, where they had been halt- 
ing in force. About half a mile from this town we 
entered the suburbs of another called San Katherina, 
when a large party in the churchyard fired on the 
head of the column and the balls came right among 
us. Our men kept rushing on their rear and cutting 
them down, until a discharge of grape-shot from a 
large piece in front drove them back to the column. 
In this short space of time five men were killed, ten 
taken prisoners, and a small color captured, which 
was carried the rest of the day. 

" Meanwhile General Worth had made a demon- 



BATTLE OF CHURUBUSCO. 401 

stration on San Antonio, where the enemy was forti- 
fied in a strong hacienda; but they retired on his 
approach to Chnrubusco, where the works were 
deemed impregnable. They consisted of a fortified 
hacienda, which was surrounded by a high and 
thick wall on all sides. Inside the wall was a stone 
building, the roof of which was flat and higher than 
the walls. Above all this was a stone church, still 
higher than the rest, and having a large steeple. 
The wall was pierced with loopholes and so arranged 
that there were two tiers of men firing at the same 
time. They thus had four different ranges of men 
firing at once, and four ranks were formed on each 
range, and placed at such a height that they could 
not only overlook all the surrounding country, but 
at the same time they had a plunging fire upon us. 
Outside the hacienda, and completely commanding 
the avenues of approach, was a field-work extending 
around two sides of the fort, and protected by a deep 
wet ditch and armed with seven large pieces. This 
hacienda is at the commencement of the causeway 
leading to the western gate of the city, and had to 
be passed before getting on the road. About three 
hundred yards in rear of this work another field- 
work had been built where a cross-road meets the 
causeway, at a point where it crosses a river, thus 
forming a bridge-head, or tete de i^ont. This was 
also very strong and armed with three large pieces 
of cannon. The works were surrounded on every 
side by large cornfields, which were filled with the 
enemy's skirmishers, so that it was difficult to make 
a reconnoissance. It was therefore decided to make 
the attack immediately, as they were full of men and 

2G 



402 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

extended for nearly a mile on the road to the city, 
completely covering the causeway. The attack com- 
menced about one p.m. General Twiggs's division 
attacked on the side towards which they approached 
the fort, — that is, opposite the city. General Worth's 
attacked the bridge-head, which he took in about an 
hour and a half, — while Generals Pillow and Quit- 
man were on the extreme left, between the cause- 
way and Twiggs's division. The Rifles were on the 
left and in rear of the work, intrusted by General 
Scott with the task of charging it in case General 
Pierce gave way. The firing was most tremendous, 
— in fact, one continued roll while the combat lasted. 
The enemy, from their elevated station, could readily 
see our men, who were unable to get a clear view 
from their position. Three of the pieces were 
manned by ' The Deserters,' — a body of about 100, 
who had deserted from the ranks of our army during 
the war. They were enrolled in two companies, 
commanded by a deserter, and were better uni- 
formed and disciplined than the rest of the army. 
These men fought most desperately, and are said 
not only to have shot down several of our officers 
whom they knew, but to have pulled down the white 
flag of surrender no less than three times. 

" The battle raged most furiously for about three 
hours, when, both sides having lost a great many, 
the enemy began to give way. As soon as they 
commenced retreating, Kearney's squadron passed 
through the tete de pwit, and, charging through the 
retreating column, pursued them to the very gate 
of the city. When our men got within about five 
hundred yards of the gate they were opened upon 



1 



404 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

with grape and canister and several officers wounded. 
Among the number was Captain Kearney, 1st dra- 
goons, who lost his left arm above the elbow. Lieu- 
tenant Graham, of New York, received a severe 
flesh-wound in his left arm; Captain McReynolds, 
ditto. Our loss in this second battle was large. 
We lost in killed seven officers : — Captains Capron, 
Burke, 1st artillery; Lieutenants Irons, Johnston, 
Hoffman, Captain Anderson, Lieutenant Easely, 2d 
infantry; Captain Hanson, 7th infantry. Lieute- 
nant Irons died on the 28th. Colonel Butler, of 
South Carolina, and about 30 officers wounded, ex- 
clusive of the volunteers. The official returns give 
our loss in killed and wounded at 1150, besides offi- 
cers. The Mexican loss is 500 killed in the second 
battle, 1000 wounded, and 1100 prisoners, exclusive 
of officers. Three more generals were taken, — 
among them General Rincon and Anaya, the pro- 
visional President; — also, ten pieces of cannon and 
an immense amount of ammunition and stores. 
Santa Anna, in his report, states his loss in killed, 
wounded, and missing, at 12,000. He has only 
18,000 left out of 30,000, which he gives as his force 
on the 20th in both actions. 

"Thus ended the battle of Churubusco, one of the 
most furious and deadly, for its length, of any of the 
war. For reasons which he deemed conclusive. 
General Scott did not enter the city that night, but 
encamped on the battle-field, about four miles from 
the western gate of the city. The next day a flag 
of truce came out, and propositions were made which 
resulted in an armistice." 



STORMING OF MOLINO DEL KEY. 



405 




MOLINO DEL KEY. 



STORMING OF MOLINO DEL EEY. 

On the 5th of September, 1847, one day previous 
to the termination of the armistice, the American 
general learned that many church-bells had been 
sent from the city to a foundry called Casa Mata, to 
be cast into guns, and that immense quantities of 
powder, balls, and other military stores, were arriving 
at the same place. As soon as the truce terminated. 
General Scott determined on an innnediate attack 
upon this place, hoping to deprive the enemy of 
their cannon and ammunition, both of w^hich were 
at this time of the greatest importance to them. 
This determination was further strengthened by the 



406 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

consideration that recent events had deprived the 
enemy of more than three-fourths of the guns neces- 
sary to defend the strong works at the eight prin- 
cipal gates of the city, which rendered a free com- 
munication with the cannon-foundry highly essential 
to Santa Anna's operations. This communication 
could be cut off only by taking the formidable castle 
upon the Heights of Chapultepec, situated between 
the city and Casa Mata and overlooking both. 
For this dangerous operation the army was not al- 
together ready ; and the earnest desire of General 
Scott was to avoid altogether, if possible, an attack 
upon this place, and approach the city by the dis- 
tant southern approaches, should they be found less 
formidable. Preparatory to attempting this he de- 
termined upon destroying the foundry and stores at 
Molino del Key. The execution of this plan was 
intrusted to Brevet Major-General Worth. 

On the morning of the 7th, Captain Mason, of the 
engineers, made a close and daring reconnoissance 
of the lines collateral to Chapultepec, ascertaining 
the enemy's position to be as follows : — the left 
resting upon and occupying the strong stone build- 
ings of Molino del Rey, near a grove at the foot of 
Chapultepec Hill and directly under the guns of its 
castle; the right resting upon Casa Mata, at the 
base of a ridge sloping gradually from the heights 
above the village of Tacubaya to the plain below. 
Midway between these buildings was the enemy's 
field-battery, supported on both sides by infantry. 

This reconnoissance was repeated and verified by 
Captain Mason and Colonel Duncan on the after- 
noon of the same day, — the result indicating that the 



STORMING OF MOLINO DEL RET. 407 

centre was the enemy's weak point, and that of his 
flanks the left, bordering on Molino del Key, was 
the stronger. Generals Scott and Worth accom- 
panied the engineers during the afternoon. The 
examination, however, was ftir from being satisfac- 
tory, since, although it afforded a ftiir observation 
of the configuration of the ground and the extent 
of the enemy's forces, yet, on account of the de- 
fences being skilfully masked, only an imperfect 
idea was obtained of their actual strength. 

On the same afternoon a large body of the enemy 
was seen hovering about Molino del Rey, within a 
mile and a third of Tacubaya, where General Scott 
was stationed with his staflf and Worth's division. 
They did not venture an attack, and the American 
commander would not derange his plans by offering 
battle. 

General Worth's division was reinforced by 270 
dragoons and mounted riflemen, under Major Sum- 
ner, Cadwalader's infantry and voltigeur regiments, 
784 strong, three pieces of field-artillery, under 
'Captain Drum, and two twenty-four-pound batter- 
ing-guns, under Captain Huger. The whole com- 
mand, thus reinforced, numbered 3200 men. 

The orders of General Scott were that the division 
should attack and destroy the Imes and defences 
between the Casa Mata and Molino del Rey, cap- 
ture the enemy's artillery, destroy the machinery 
and material supposed to be in the foundry, but 
under no circumstances to make an attack upon 
Chapultepec. After carrying the works the troops 
were to be withdrawn immediately to Tacubaya. 
The object of attack being connected with Cha- 



408 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

pultepec, it became necessary to isolate it from the 
defences of the castle. To effect this object, Colonel 
Garland's brigade, strengthened by two pieces of 
Captain Drum's battery, was posted on the right so 
as to intercept any reinforcements from Chapultepec 
and be within sustaining-distance of the assaulting 
party and Huger's battering-guns. The latter were 
placed on the ridge, five or six hundred yards from 
Molino del Rey, so as to play upon and detach it 
from Chapultepec. The assaulting party designed 
to act against the enemy's centre, consisting of 500 
picked men and officers, commanded by Brevet 
Major Wright, was stationed on the ridge to the 
left of the battering-guns. Colonel Clarke's brigade, 
under Colonel Mcintosh, was placed farther up the 
ridge, near Duncan's battery, so as either to protect 
the American left flank, to sustain the assaulting 
column, or to discomfit the enemy, as circumstances 
would require. Cadwalader's brigade was held in 
reserve, in a position on the ridge between the bat- 
tering-guns and Mcintosh's brigade, at easy support- 
ing-distance from both. Major Sumner, with his 
cavalry, was ordered to the extreme flank, to act as 
his own judgment might dictate; and the general 
disposition of the artillery was confined to Colonel 
Duncan. 

These preparations were designed and executed 
in the most desirable manner, exhibiting, in the 
subsequent result, the military abilities of the general 
who planned the whole attack and of those who 
carried it into effect. The artillery w\as placed in 
the best possible position for preventing the arrival 
of any support from the castle, by breaking the con- 



410 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

tinuous line of defences leading to that place and 
distracting the garrison curing the charge of Wright's 
party. This was posted so as to experience the least 
difficulty from the nature of the ground and the 
presence of the enemy's cavalry. The latter were 
watched by the intrepid Sumner, and at a well- 
chosen position Mcintosh's troops were placed in 
general superintendence of the whole. But so 
strong were the Mexican defences, and throughout 
the whole line so skilfully masked, that, but for a 
strong supporting reserve, Wright's charge — the soul 
of the entire assault — would probably have failed. 
Such support was afforded by Cadwalader's brigade, 
which during the action was called into active 
service and contributed in no slight degree to 
victory. 

At three o'clock a.m. of the 8th the division 
commenced its march by columns, each taking a dif- 
ferent route. So accurately had every thing been 
arranged that, notwithstanding the darkness of the 
night and the irregularity of the ground, the troops 
at daylight were found posted in the different posi- 
tions with as much precision as though on parade. 
Very soon after the dawn of day the report of 
Huger's guns, opening upon Molino del Rey, gave 
the signal for attack. So heavy were the discharges 
that in a short time masses of masonry fell with 
tremendous noise and the whole line of intrench- 
ments began to shake. This, uniting with the roar 
of cannon and cheering of soldiers, produced a scene 
of confusion peculiarly distressing. The enemy an- 
swered each discharge in rapid succession, unfolding 
at intervals to the sight of their antagonists bat- 



STORMING OF MOLING DEL RET. 411 

teries and systems of defence of the strongest cha- 
racter, but hitherto masked. 

In the interim, while the cannonade was going on, 
Major Wright was preparing his troops for the attack. 
Stationed on an eminence, he had a full view of the 
artillery operations, and could determine with great 
ease upon the exact direction in which to lead his 
men. All things being in readiness, he dashed down 
the slope, guided by Captain Mason and Lieutenant 
Foster and followed by his whole command. At 
this stirring spectacle the remainder of the division 
sent up a shout which momentarily drowned the 
roar of artillery; while at the same moment, as 
though in desperate defiance, the central batteries 
of the enemy opened their fearful discharges, sweep- 
ing down man and officer in terrible and indiscri- 
minate slaughter. The cheering died away at such 
a spectacle, and, with unuttered forebodings at the 
unexpected sight, the reserve and support leaned 
forward to await the result. Yet, in the midst of 
the unexpected showers of fire which were launched 
upon them, Wright and his gallant men rushed on, 
gained the lines, and, sweeping through a storm of 
musketry and canister-shot, drove infantry and 
artillerymen before them at the baj^onet's point, 
seized the large field-battery, drove off the can- 
noneers, and trailed its guns upon the retreating 
masses. 

But the battle was not yet decided. After retreat- 
ing to a short distance the enemy suddenly halted, 
rallied, and, on observing the smallness of the force 
by which they had been attacked, returned with 
renewed energy to the conflict. Suddenly a flash 



412 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

like lightning ran along their whole line, pouring 
forth a discharge which struck down 11 officers out 
of the 14 composing the command, with non-com- 
missioned officers and men in proportion. Brevet 
Major Wright, Captain Mason, and Lieutenant 
Foster, were among the severely wounded. At the 
same time the windows and roofs of buildings were 
lined with infantry, who united their fire with that 
of the main body. At so overwhelming a loss the 
party was thrown into confusion, and the eagle eye 
of General Worth foresaw that another such dis- 
charge would snatch victory from its grasp. Ac- 
cordingly the right wing of Cadwalader's brigade 
and the light battalion held to cover Captain Huger's 
battery were immediately ordered forward to its 
support. Coming rapidly into action, these troops 
reached the shattered remnant of Major Wright's 
party at a most seasonable moment. The struggle 
with the enemy was close but short. They were 
again routed and their central positions fully carried 
and occupied. 

This victory gave the Americans an important 
station inside the enemy's works, and separated the 
Casa Mata from Molino del Rey and its adjoining 
fortifications. These, therefore, formed two isolated 
points of attack, each of which could be attacked 
by a separate party without danger from the other. 

The assault upon the enemy's left was intrusted 
to Garland's brigade, sustained by Drum's artillery. 
Here the struggle was obstinate and bloody. The 
manner in which the American guns were served 
drew forth shouts of applause from the whole array ; 
while, on the other hand, the powerful batteries of 



STORMING OF MOLINO DEL RET. 413 

Molino del Rey were worked in a manner which 
evinced the determination of the enemy to regain 
the day. The loss of the assailants was heavy; but 
they at length succeeded in forcing the position and 
driving the garrison from their guns. The Mexicans 
fled towards Chapultepec, suffering heavily from 
their own guns, which were turned upon them and 
continued to fire until they were beyond reach. 

Simultaneously with this assault, Duncan's bat- 
tery opened upon the Mexican right, so as to mask 
an assault upon it by Colonel Mcintosh. The whole 
field was now a scene of uproar, the battle raging, 
mostly of artillery, throughout the entire line of de- 
fences from Casa Mata to Molino del Rey. As 
Mcintosh's troops moved to the attack they came 
in front of Duncan's battery, which was consequently 
obliged to suspend its fire. The command then 
moved steadily to the assault. On approaching the 
Casa Mata it was discovered to be not an ordinary 
field-intrenchment, as had been supposed, but a 
strong stone citadel, built in the Spanish style, with 
bastioned intrenchments and impassable ditches 
which had recently been repaired and enlarged. 
The apparent difficulty of the undertaking was 
thus tenfold increased ; but still the soldiers pressed 
on without the least diminution of ardor. The 
batteries of the enemy were for a long time silent, as 
though their attendants were doubtful whether to 
open or not. But this was but the deceitful allure- 
ment whose object was to get the prey completely 
within grasp. On arriving within musket-shot the 
Americans were greeted with a storm of grape and 
canister, before which their front ranks melted away 



414 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

and many of the best officers were killed or wounded. 
Without intermission was this kept up until their 
lacerated columns had reached the slope of the 
parapet leading to the citadel. Here, amid the 
withering showers which smote their ranks, the ex- 
hausted troops were obliged to halt. Their advance 
had been over a long, rugged road in front of their 
own batteries, and part of the time without their 
support. A large proportion of their number had 
been killed or wounded, including the three senior 
officers, Brevet Colonel Mcintosh, Brevet Lieutenant- 
Colonel Scott, and Major Waite, — the second killed, 
and the first and last seriously wounded. As they 
stood for a few moments on the slope, the Casa 
Mata continued to pour its fire upon them; and, per- 
plexed with the change of commanders consequent 
on the fall of Colonel Mcintosh, the brigade fell 
into confusion and withdrew to Duncan's battery. 

The latter branch of service, from the time of its 
being covered by Mcintosh's troops so as to prevent 
a continuance of its fire on the enemy, had been 
arduously engaged in another part of the field. A 
large cavalry force had appeared outside the enemy's 
works on the extreme left of the American line ; 
and against this Colonel Duncan moved, supported 
by the voltigeurs of Cadwalader's brigade. As 
the cavalry galloped into canister-range, the whole 
battery opened upon them with great effect, driving 
back their heavy squadrons in disorder. At this 
moment Major Sumner, who had been carefully 
watching the enemy all day, moved to the front and 
changed direction in admirable order, under a most 
appalling fire from Casa Mata, of which he was 



STORMING OF MOLIXO DEL RET. 415 

within pistol-range. His loss was very severe, 
numbering 5 officers, 39 soldiers, and 104 horses. 
The exposure was, however, unavoidable, in 
consequence of a deep ditch which it was im- 
possible to cross until he had arrived close to 
the Mexican intrenchments. After passing the 
ravine he formed his command in line, facing the 
enemy's cavalry, and prepared to receive their 
charge. At seeing this they suddenly halted, and 
shortly afterwards retired. The major continued to 
hold his command on the left flank until the battle 
was won, changing his position from time to time 
with every movement of the cavalry. During the 
whole time his men behaved with coolness and 
bravery ; and, notwithstanding the number and 
rapidity of their evolutions, they succeeded, chiefly 
through the indefatigable exertions of Captain Har- 
dee, in avoiding all confusion. The major was 
joined, soon after the commencement of the action, 
by Lieutenant-Colonel Moore, who, although declining 
the command, remained with him during the day. 
Colonel Harney, who was unwell, also came upon 
the field during the action, and, after observing the 
arrangements, expressed himself satisfied, and left 
Sumner to execute them, "for which," archly ob- 
serves the major in his report, "I am deeply obliged 
to him." 

The repulse of the second brigade enabled Colonel 
Duncan to reopen his battery upon the Casa Mata, 
which the enemy, after a short and well-directed 
fire, abandoned. The Americans rushed into the 
works with loud cheers, seized the cannon, and 
turned them upon their former owners. 



416 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

The enemy was now driven from every part of 
the field, leaving his strong lines in possession of the 
assailants. The quantity of stores within the two 
principal works fell far short of what had been 
anticipated, thus proving false many of the reports 
previously received upon that subject. In obedience 
to the commands of General Scott, the Casa Mata 
was blown up, and such of the captured ammuni- 
tion as could not be used, together with the cannon- 
moulds found in Molino del Rey, were destroyed. 

Thus, after several hours' incessant cannonading 
and fighting, the Americans stormed and carried an 
entire line of strong fortresses, defended by 14,000 
men, securing 800 prisoners, all the guns, a large 
quantity of small-arms, ammunition, and other stores. 
Fifty-two commissioned officers were among the 
taken. Generals Valdarez and Leon, the second 
and third in command, were killed. The total loss 
of the enemy was about 3000, exclusive of 2000 
who deserted after the rout. 

These great results were not obtained without a 
proportionate loss on the part of the victors. Be- 
sides being numerically great, the list of killed and 
wounded embraced the names of some of the brightest 
ornaments of the service. Of the first were Captains 
Merrill, E. K. Smith, Ayres, and Lieutenants Strong, 
Farry, Burwell, and Burbank. "All of these gal- 
lant men," says General Worth, "fell as, when it 
pleased God, they would have wished to fall, fight- 
ing bravely at the head of their troops, leaving a 
bright example to the service and spotless names to 
the cherished recollections of comrades." Among 
the wounded were Brevet Major Wright, Captains 



STORMING OF MOLINO DEL KEY. 417 

Mason, Walker, and Cady, and Lieutenants Shackle- 
ford, Daniels, Clarke, Snelling, and Foster, all of 
whom highly distinguished themselves. 

The conduct of both cavalry and artillery was 
admirable ; and the same meed of praise is due to 
Sumner's dragoons. General Cadwalader rendered 
most efficient service and received the encomiums 
of General Worth. Among the other officers simi- 
larly noticed were Colonel Garland, Lieutenant- 
Colonel Duncan, Brevet Colonel Mcintosh, Captains 
Huger and Drum, Lieutenants Kirkham, Nichols, 
and Thorne, (the latter of whom captured a regi- 
mental standard,) and the officers of Cadwalader's 
brigade. Worth withdrew his brigade to Tacubaya. 
The operations of the day had thrown the enemy 
on the defensive, and left no further obstruction to 
an attack upon the city, save the castle of Chapul- 
tepec. Knowing the strength of this fortress. 
General Scott wisely refrained from an immediate 
attack, preferring to give his troops the repose which 
they so much needed rather than risk disabling his 
army by over-exertion. The dead were collected 
and buried, the wounded rendered comfortable, and 
each division, with its officers, quartered where they 
could be protected from the weather. 



27 



418 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




COI-ONEL HARNET. 



STORMING OF CHAPULTEPEC AND 
CAPTURE OF MEXICO. 

The taking of Molino del Key had cut off the for- 
tress of Chapultepec from all immediate connection 
with any of the surrounding fortifications. The 
assault upon it was the next great event of the war, 
and the first of that brilliant series to which General 
Scott gives the general name " Battle of Mexico." Of 
that momentous action, which continued for more 
than two days, the storming of the castle is the only 
occurrence which is capable of separate description. 
The difficulty of conveying an adequate idea of the 
actions of August has been formerly mentioned ; but 
the events of Contreras and Churubusco are simple 



STORMING OF CHAPULTErEC. 419 

when compared to those attending the taking of the 
capitah The plan of attack in the hatter brought 
out the abilities of every officer in the army simul- 
taneously and, with but few exceptions, in inde- 
pendent commands. 

Immediately after the victory of the 8th, General 
Scott commenced a series of strict and daring recon- 
noissances of the ground in the vicinity of the capi- 
tal and the principal works of the enemy. These 
were conducted by the able engineers Captain Lee 
and Lieutenants Stephens, Tower, and Beauregard. 
This service was, in point of danger, equal to battle, 
stations being frequently chosen within full range of 
the enemy's batteries and even within musketry- 
range of the works. The observations were directed 
principally to the southern defences, the strongly- 
fortified gates of Piedad, San Antonio, San Angel, or 
Niilo Perdido, and Paseo de la Vega. These pre- 
sented a chain of ditches, intrenclmients, gullies, 
breastworks, towers, and mines, appalling to any 
general save one of the first military genius and ex- 
perience. " This city," says the American com- 
mander, while speaking of these defences, " stands 
on a slight swell of ground, near the centre of an 
irregular basin, and is girdled with a ditch in its 
greatest extent, — a navigable canal of great breadth 
and depth, — very difficult to bridge in the presence 
of an enemy, and serving at once for drainage, cus- 
tom-house purposes, and military defence, having 
eight entrances or gates, over arches, each of which 
we found defended by a system of strong works that 
seemed to require nothing but some men and guns 
to be impregnable. 



420 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

" Outside and within the cross-fires of those gates 
we found, to the south, other obstacles but little less 
formidable. All the approaches near the city are 
over elevated causeways, cut in many places (to op- 
pose us) and flanked on both sides by ditches, ako 
of unusual dimensions. The numerous cross-roads 
are flanked in like manner, having bridges at the 
intersections, recently broken. The meadows thus 
checkered are, moreover, in many spots, under water 
or marshy ; for, it will be remembered, we were in 
the midst of the wet season, though with less rain 
than usual, and we could not wait for the fall of the 
neighboring lakes and the consequent drainage of 
the wet grounds at the edge of the city, — the lowest 
in the whole basin." 

An attack upon the city in this quarter would 
perhaps have been successful ; but it would have 
been at a loss greater than has ever yet been expe- 
rienced by an American army. General Scott, there- 
fore, with that regard to the lives of his soldiers 
which has ever formed a prominent feature in his 
character, and rejecting the vain glory acquired by 
gaining a great battle at any expense, promptly de- 
termined to avoid the network of obstacles on the 
south and seek less unfavorable approaches by a 
sudden inversion towards the west. 

" To economize the lives of our gallant officers and 
men," says the general, " as well as to insure success, 
it became indispensable that this resolution should 
be long masked from the enemy; and, again, that 
the new movement, when discovered, should be mis- 
taken for a feint, and the old as indicating our true 
and ultimate point of attack." This design could be 



STORMING OF CHAPULTEPEC. 421 

executed only by means of a well-conducted strata- 
gem, whose most important part would be to pre- 
vent the enemy from removing his guns in the 
southern defences to the new point of attack. This 
was executed in a manner which, while securing the 
lives of the troops, threw the balance of advantages 
in their hands, and afforded one more instance of the 
eminent scientific abilities of the man who, with a 
handful of troops, had fought his way through hos- 
tile armies to the gates of the enemy's capital. We 
give the arrangements of his plan in his own 
words : — 

"Accordingly, on the spot, the 11th, I ordered 
Quitman's division from Coyoacan to join Pillow hjj 
daylight before the southern gates, and then that the 
two major-generals, with their divisions, should htj 
7iig7it proceed (two miles) to join me at Tacubaya, 
where I was quartered with Worth's division. 
Twiggs, with Riley's brigade and Captains Taylor's 
and Steptoe's field-batteries, — the latter of twelve- 
pounders, — was left in front of those gates to man- 
oeuvre, to threaten, or to make false attacks, in order 
to occupy and deceive the enemy. Twiggs's other 
brigade (Smith's) was left at supporting-distance in 
the rear, at San Angel, till the morning of the loth, 
and also to support our general depot at Mixcoac. 
The stratagem against the south was admirably exe- 
cuted throughout the 12th and down to the after- 
noon of the loth, when it was too late for the enemy 
to recover from the effects of his delusion. 

" The first step in the new movement was to 
carry Chapultepec, — a natural and isolated mound, 
of great elevation, strongly fortified at its base, on 



422 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

its acclivities and heights. Besides a numerous gar- 
rison, here was the military college of the republic, 
with a large number of sub-lieutenants and other 
students. Those works were within direct gunshot 
of the village of Tacubaya, and, until carried, we 
could not approach the city on the west without 
making a circuit too wide and too hazardous. 

" In the course of the same night (that of the 
11th) heavy batteries within easy ranges were esta- 
blished. No. 1, on our right, under the command of 
Captain Drum, 4th artillery, (relieved the next day 
for some hours by Lieutenant Andrews, of the 3d,) 
and No. 2, commanded by Lieutenant Hagner, ord- 
nance, — both supported by Quitman's division. Nos. 
3 and 4, on the opposite side, supported by Pillow's 
division, were commanded, the former by Captain 
Brooks and Lieutenant S. S. Anderson, 2d artillery, 
alternately, and the latter by Lieutenant Stone, ord- 
nance. The batteries were traced by Captain Huger 
and Captain Lee, engineer, and constructed by them, 
with the able assistance of the young officers of those 
corps and artillery. 

" To prepare for an assault, it was foreseen that 
the play of the batteries might run into the second 
day ; but recent captures had not only trebled our 
siege-pieces, but also our ammunition, and we knew 
that we should greatly augment both by carrying 
the place. I was therefore in no haste in ordering 
an assault before the works were well crippled by 
our missiles." 

The disposition of forces thus sketched should be 
borne in mind while taking a survey of the subse- 
quent operations. The whole army was divided into 



STORMING OF CHAPULTEPEC. 423 

two great sections, each performing duties distinct 
from the other yet essential to the success of the 
final operations. One of these amused the enemy 
and prevented him from employing to much effect 
his strongest forces ; the other conducted the assault 
at numerous points of the western defences. The 
former duty was intrusted to General Twiggs, with 
Riley's brigade and two batteries; while Smith's 
brigade remained as a supporting reserve. At the 
same time the divisions of Quitman and Pillow 
marched by night from the neighborhood of the 
southern defences and joined General Scott at Tacu- 
baya, preparatory to the assault upon Chapultepec. 
This hill lay between Twiggs's station and the 
western portion of the city, whither General Scott 
designed to make his attack. To pass between it 
and the city-wall was impossible; and to march 
around on the opposite side would have consumed 
so much time as to unfold the stratagem to the 
enemy and thus defeat one important object of it. 
There remained therefore no alternative but to storm 
the fortress, since, by so doing, the enemy would 
still be in the dark as to the ultimate point of at- 
tack, and might easily be induced to believe that in 
case of capturing it the Americans would resume 
their station near the southern gates. Subsequent 
disclosures proved that they labored under tliis de- 
lusion. 

The two batteries of Captain Drum and Lieute- 
nant Hagner, supporting Quitman's division, and 
those of Captain Brooks and Lieutenant Stone, sup- 
porting Pillow, opened on the castle early on the 
12th. The bombardment and cannonade were super- 



424 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



intended by Captain Huger and continued during 
the whole day. During the continuance of this 
dreary work Twiggs was actively plying his guns 
on the southern side, in order to prevent the arrival 
of reinforcements at Chapultepec. The bombard- 
ment at length became so severe that all the garri- 




CHAPULTEPEC. 



son, excepting a number sufficient to manage, aban- 
doned their works and formed on a secure jDosition 
of the hill, where they could easily return in case 
of an assault. As night approached, the fire of the 
assailants necessarily ceased; but it was observed 
that a good impression had been made upon the 
castle and its outworks. 

No changes of position were made during the 



STORMING OF CHAPULTEPEC. 425 

night of the 12th, so that early on the following 
morning the guns reopened upon the castle. At 
the same moment those of Twiggs were heard bat- 
tering the gates of San Antonio and Piedad. The 
Mexicans were again observed upon the hill, hold- 
ing themselves in readiness for an assault. 

Meanwhile the general-in-chief was actively pre- 
paring to storm the work. The force designed for 
this service consisted of two columns, acting inde- 
pendently and on different sides of the hill. The 
first was led by General Pillow, the second by 
General Quitman, — the commands of these officers 
being reinforced by corps from other divisions. On 
the previous evening Worth had received orders to 
designate a party from his division to assist Pillow, 
and immediately organized a command of 260 men, 
with ten officers, under Captain McKenzie. He was 
also advised to take position with the remainder of 
his division and support Pillow, in case that officer 
should request his aid. He accordingly chose a 
favorable position and reported himself to Pillow. 
At the same time Smith's brigade was ordered to 
proceed towards the hill and support Quitman's 
column. These troops arrived on the following 
morning, after marching over an exposed road two 
miles in length. Twiggs also supplied a reinforce- 
ment to Quitman's storming column, about equal in 
number to that from Worth's division and com- 
manded by Captain Casey. 

• The signal for the march of the storming parties 
was the momentary cessation of fire from the heavy 
batteries. At about eight o'clock on the morning 
of the 13th, General Scott despatched an aid to Gene- 



426 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

ral Pillow, and another to Quitman, to inform them 
that this was about to be given. Immediately the 
whole field was covered with the troops of the assail- 
ing parties moving into position. At the same mo- 
ment a number of Mexican soldiers outside the fort 
rushed into it and prepared to resist the assault. 

General Pillow, in the morning, had placed two 
field-pieces of Magruder's field-battery inside the 
Molino del Rey, to clear a sand-bag breastwork 
which the enemy had constructed without the main 
wall surrounding Chapultepec, so as to annoy any 
party assailing the principal works. Through the 
houses and walls of the mill she had also placed a 
howitzer-battery, to aid in driving the enemy from 
a strong intrenchment which extended nearly across 
the front of the forest and commanded the only ap- 
proach to Chapultepec on that side. At the same 
time he placed in position four companies of the 
voltigeur regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel John- 
stone, with instructions to advance by a rapid move- 
ment on the outside and enter the enclosure after 
it had been gained by the storming parties. Four 
other companies of voltigeurs were placed, under 
Colonel Andrews, at a narrow gateway opening from 
the rear of the mills, with orders to advance in front, 
and, uniting with Colonel Johnstone's command, to 
deploy as skirmishers and drive a body of the enemy 
from some large trees among which it had taken 
shelter. 

Every thing being now in readiness, the heavy 
batteries were silenced, and immediately the storm- 
ing columns rushed forward to the attack. Know- 
ing too well the object of this movement, the Mexi- 



STORMING OF CHAPULTEPEC. 427 

cans opened all their batteries, the fires from which 
swept every approach and glared in front of the ad- 
vancing troops like a volcano. On they rushed, 
driving the enemy from the woods, and, reaching 
the hill, commenced the ascent. At this moment 
General Pillow was struck from his horse by a grape- 
shot, and the command devolved on Cadwalader. 
The former general would not leave the field, but 
employed some of his men to carry him up the hill, 
in order that he might be a witness of the result. 
Under command of the intrepid officer from Penn- 
sylvania, the troops entered the enemy's drizzling 
fires and labored over the steep rocks. " The broken 
acclivity," says the general-in-chief, while describing 
Cadwalader's advance, "was still to be ascended, 
and a strong redoubt midway to be carried, before 
reaching the castle on the heights. The advance of 
our brave officers, though necessarily slow, was un- 
wavering, over rocks, chasms, and mines, and under 
the hottest fire of cannon and musketry. The re- 
doubt now yielded to resistless valor, and the shouts 
that followed announced to the castle the fate that 
impended. The enemy were steadily driven from 
shelter to shelter. The retreat allowed not time to 
fire a single mine without the certainty of blowing 
up friend and foe. Those who at a distance at- 
tempted to apply matches to the long trains were 
shot down by our men. There was death below as 
well as above ground. At length the ditch and wall 
of the main work were reached; the scaling-ladders 
were brought up and planted by the storming-parties. 
Some of the daring spirits first in the assault were 
cast down, killed or wounded ; but a lodgment was 



428 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

soon made ; streams of heroes followed ; all opposi- 
tion was overcome, and several of our regimental 
colors were flung out from the uj^per walls, amid 
long-continued shouts and cheers, which sent dismay 
into the capital. No scene could have been more 
animating or glorious." 

Conspicuous in this charge was the gallant Colonel 
Ransom, of the 9 th infantry, who met a soldier's 
death while leading his troops up the summit to the 
castle. He was shot in the forehead. Major Sey- 
mour succeeded him, and, on arriving before the 
walls, mounted the ladders, leaped upon the parapet, 
and tore down with his own hands the Mexican 
colors. 

Simultaneously with this attack, General Quit- 
man's troops approached the fortress on the opposite 
side. At early dawm he had opened his batteries 
with much effect and commenced preparations for 
the assault. Ladders, pickaxes, and crows, were 
placed in the hands of a pioneer storming-party of 
120 men, selected from all corps of the division and 
commanded by Major Twiggs. At this time Gene- 
ral Smith arrived wdth his brigade, and was in- 
structed to move in reserve on the right flank of 
the assaulting column, to protect it from skirmishes 
or more serious attacks, and, if possible, cross the 
aqueduct leading to the city and cut off the enemy's 
retreat. 

These dispositions being completed, the whole 
command, at the preconcerted signal, moved forward 
with confidence and enthusiasm. At the base of 
the hill constituting part of the defences, and directly 
across the line of advance, were strong batteries, 



STORMING OF CHAPULTEPEC. 429 

flanked on the right by equally strong buildings, 
and by a heavy stone wall, about fifteen feet high, 
which extended around the base of the hill, towards 
the west. The troops were, however, partially 
covered by some dilapidated buildings at about two 
hundred yards' distance. Between these and the 
wall extended a low meadow, whose long grass con- 
cealed a number of wet ditches, by which it was in- 
tersected ; and to this point the command, partially 
screened, advanced by a flank movement, having the 
storming-parties in front, who sustained a heavy 
fire from the enemy's fortress, batteries, and breast- 
works. Here, under partial cover of the ruins, the 
advance was halted, and, upon the appearance of 
the New York and South Carolina regiments. Gene- 
ral Shields was directed to move them obliquely to 
the left, across the low ground, to the wall at the 
base of the hill. Encouraged by the presence of the 
man who had led them to victory at Churubusco, 
these tried regiments waded through deep ditches, 
while the water around them was foaming with the 
enemy's shot, and, rushing forward together, efiected 
a lodgment at the wall. Similar orders were given 
to Lieutenant-Colonel Geary and executed by his 
regiment with equal alacrity and success. While 
cheering on his men, General Shields was severely 
wounded in the arm ; but no inducement could per- 
suade him to leave his command or quit the field. 
About the same time the esteemed Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel Baxter was mortally wounded, Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel Geary disabled, and Captain Van O'Linda killed. 
During this advance, Brigadier-General Smith 
was driving back skirmishing-parties of the enemy 



430 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

on the left, Lieutenant Benjamin, at the first bat- 
tery, was pouring shot after shot into the fortress 
and woods on the slope, while Lieutenant Hunt, 
having obtained a favorable position in the rear, also 
threw shells and shrapnell-shot into the enemy's 
lines with good effect. At this moment General 
Quitman ordered the storming-parties to the assault. 
Led by their gallant officers, they rushed on in one 
unbroken tide, while the batteries from behind con- 
tinued to pour shells and shot over their heads into 
the enemy's fortress. The Mexican fire was tre- 
mendous; but, without pausing for a moment, the 
Americans swept on until they reached the outer 
breastworks. Here for a short time the contest 
was terrible. Hand to hand the fierce antagonists 
met each other's strokes, while, as though pausing 
for the result, died away the loud noise of opposing 
batteries. Swords and bayonets were crossed, rifles 
clubbed, and friend and foe mingled in one confused 
struggling mass. Resistance, however, to the des- 
perate valor of the assailants was vain. The bat- 
teries and strong works were swept, and the ascent 
to Chapultepec laid open on that side. Seven pieces 
of artillery, one thousand muskets, and 550 prisoners, 
were the trophies of victory. Among the prisoners 
were 100 officers, including a general and ten colonels. 
Captain Casey, the gallant leader of the storming- 
party of regulars, having received a severe wound 
when directly in front of the batteries, the command 
devolved on Captain Paul, who during the re- 
mainder of the day distinguished himself for his 
bravery. The storming-party from the volunteer 
division also lost its commander, the lamented Major 



STORMING OF CnAPULTEPEC. 431 

Twiggs, and was led, during the remainder of the 
attack, by Captain James Miller. 

At the same time the volunteer regiments on the 
left, animated by a generous enthusiasm, were as- 
cending the hill on the south side. Fighting their 
way through every obstacle, these brave men fell in 
with their comrades of General Pillow's division; 
and side by side, amid the storm of battle, the colors 
of the two commands were seen struggling together 
up the steep ascent. At this moment the American 
batteries, which had continued their fire upon the 
castle over the heads of the assailants, ceased ; and 
immediately after the troops gained the summit. 
The short but obstinate struggle has been described. 
The veteraH Mexican general Bravo, with a number 
of other officers, was captured by Lieutenant Charles 
Browser, of the New York regiment. In the assault 
upon the works. Lieutenant Steele, with a portion 
of the storming-party, had advanced in front of the 
batteries, towards the left, scaled the outer wall 
through a breach near the top, ascended a hill in 
front, and was among the first upon the battlements. 

After giving the necessary directions for the safe- 
keeping of the prisoners, General Quitman ordered 
his troops to form near the aqueduct, and hastily 
ascended the hill for the purpose of reconnoitring 
the enemy's position in front of the city. There he 
met with Major-General Pillow, who, as formerly 
stated, had been carried by his troops to the castle 
in order to enjoy the triumph of the occasion. 

In speaking of this brilliant affair. General Pillow 
says, " We took about 800 prisoners, among whom 
were Major-General Bravo, Brigadier-Generals Mon- 



432 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

terde, Monega, Doramentas, and Saldana ; also three 
colonels, seven lieutenant-colonels, 40 captains, and 
24 first and 27 second lieutenants. 

" That the enemy was in large force I know cer- 
tainly from personal observation. I know it also 
from the fact that there were killed and taken pri- 
soners one major-general and six brigadiers. As 
there were six brigadier-generals, there could not 
have been less than six brigades. One thousand 
men to each brigade (which is a low estimate, for 
we had previously taken so many general officers 
prisoners that the commands of others must have 
been considerably increased) would make 6000 
troops. But, independent of these evidences of the 
enemy's strength, I have General Bravo's own ac- 
count of the strength of his command, given me 
only a few minutes after he was taken prisoner. 
He communicated to me, through Passed Midship- 
man Rogers, that there were upwards of 6000 men 
in the works and surrounding grounds. The killed, 
wounded, and prisoners, agreeably to the best esti- 
mate I can form, were about 1800, and immense 
numbers of the enemy were seen to escape over the 
wall on the north and west sides of Chapultepec." 

Many of those who distinguished themselves in 
this assault have been given in connection with the 
narrative ; a mere list of others mentioned with en- 
comiums by the different commanders would alone 
fill a moderate chapter. Where all behaved as did 
the victors of Chapultepec, it is indeed difficult to 
discriminate in the awarding of praise. The feat 
will remain in American history as a proud trophy 
to American valor ; and the fiict of being one of the 



CAPTURE OF MEXICO. 433 

participators in it will insure to many a soldier the 
esteem and admiration of countrj^men while he lives, 
and a grateful veneration of his memory after death. 

While the assault was going on, on the west and 
southeast of Chapultepec, and on its heights, two 
companies of infantr}', under Colonel Ironsdale and 
Lieutenant Hebert, aided by Captain Magruder's 
field-battery, had some spirited skirmishes with dif- 
ferent parties of the enemy. In one of these ofli- 
cers and men behaved in a gallant manner: they 
drove the gunners from a battery in the road, a^id 
captured a piece. Colonel Ironsdale was twice 
wounded, but continued on duty until the heights 
were carried. 

Immediately after the capture of Chapultepec, 
General Scott made active preparations for following 
up his success by an attack upon the capital. There 
are two routes from Chapultepec to the city, — one 
leading to the Belen gate, the other to the gate of 
San Cosme, both of which were strongly fortified. 
Worth advanced along the San Cosme road, and 
Quitman by that of Belen. Both these generals 
were strongly reinforced with troops and heavy siege- 
guns. As the San Cosme gate was judged to be the 
least difficult of entrance, Scott intended that Quit- 
man should merely manoeuvre while Worth made the 
main attack. Bufc Quitman pressed on, under flank 
and direct fires, and carried the Belen gate after a 
desperate struggle and severe loss. Worth advanced, 
preceded by skirmishers and pioneers with axes to 
tbrce windows and doors, and by eight o'clock in the 
evening had carried two batteries and driven the 
enemy into the heart of the city. The American 

28 



434 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



troops in the city were sheltered during the night. 
About four o'clock in the morning a deputation 
from the city authorities reached General Scott, re- 
ported that the Mexican army had fled, and de- 
manded terms of capitulation. General Scott, know- 
ing his forces to be already in possession of the city, 
would not listen to any terms dictated by the 




CITT OP MEXICO. 



authorities, and, about daylight, ordered General 
Quitman to advance and take possession of the 
Grand Plaza and government-buildings. Quitman 
immediately executed the order, and soon the star- 
spangled banner was floating over the National 
Palace. As the remainder of the army entered 
Mexico, the troops were fired upon by about 2000 
liberated convicts, posted on the tops of houses and 



CAPTURE OF MEXICO. 



435 



at the corners of streets. This unlawful warfare 
lasted twenty-four hours, and was not suppressed 
until many officers and men were killed or wounded. 
The convicts were punished. General Quitman was 
appointed military governor of the city. 

Thus, in less than one month, 8000 men fought 
eight important battles, stormed castles, towns, and 
redoubts, garrisoned with three times the number 
of assailants ; defeated 32,000 Mexican veterans, 
killing 7000 and capturing 3700 and 13 generals, 
of whom three were ex-presidents; taking more 
than twenty standards, one hundred and twenty-two 
cannon, twenty thousand small-arms, with an im- 
mense quantity of shot, shells, &c. ; and finally en- 
tered in triumph a capital where every wall was a 
fortification, every house a fort, and which contained 
a population of nearly 200,000 souls. 




436 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 




m,i' It/ 

COLONEL GUILDS 



SIEGE OF PUEBLA. 

On the inarch of the American army from Puebla 
towards the capital, the command of that city was 
intrusted to Colonel Childs. His total force was 
about 400 men, consisting of forty-six cavalry, under 
Captain Ford, two companies of artillery, under 
Captains Kendrick and Miller, and six companies 
of the 1st Pennsylvania volunteers, under Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Black. With this small command 
the grand depot in the city named San Jose, and 



SIEGE OF PUEBLA. 437 

the posts of Loreto and Guadalupe, were to be gar- 
risoned and held against the combined efforts of the 
military and populace in Puebla. San Jose was the 
key of the colonel's position, on the safety of which 
that of every other depended. 

In addition to the smallness of the garrison and 
the extent of space to be covered, the Americans 
were encumbered with 1800 sick. The hospitals 
for these were situated in isolated positions, while 
the surgeons were provided with but six attendants. 

After the departure of the main army, no acts of 
hostility other than the occasional murdering of a 
straggling soldier occurred until September 13, the 
same day in which the Mexican capital was taken. 
During the night of that date the enemy opened a 
fire upon the Americans from the streets of Puebla. 
Colonel Childs had for some time been expecting 
this, and had removed all the hospitals within the 
protection of San Jose and placed every man of his 
command on duty. The firing of the 13th continued 
languidly until after daylight, when every thing 
became quiet. On the night of the 14th the guns 
were reopened with a violence which convinced the 
colonel that the siege had commenced in earnest. A 
storm of bombs and shot was thrown into the forti- 
fications until morning, while numerous bodies of 
troops were heard taking up positions around the 
American stations. On the 15th large parties of 
cavalry were observed in the fields, gathering together 
the sheep and cattle and endeavoring to turn the 
stream of water which supplies San Jose. In the 
evening Colonel Childs organized two parties to 
secure, if possible, some of the live-stock. They 



438 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

succeeded in capturing thirty oxen and four hundred 
sheep, — a most seasonable supply at the time. 

During the day the fire of the enemy was un- 
abated, and large reinforcements were observed to 
join them from the interior. Nearly every station 
in the city from which a battery could be discharged 
was now occupied by the Mexicans, and, under a 
most tremendous fire, the x\mericans labored night 
and day in completing their defences and preparing 
for an assault. 

On the 22d, General Santa Anna arrived with a 
large force from Mexico. His appearance was hailed 
by discharges of cannon, a general ringing of bells, 
and other demonstrations of joy. A battery at 
Loreto was opened by command of Colonel Childs, 
which, throwing shells and round-shot into the heart 
of the city^ did considerable execution, besides 
causing a temporary suspension of the rejoicing. 
Santa Anna, with his customary activity, imme- 
diately began preparations for an assault. New 
batteries were planted, storming-parties designated, 
and a more perfect organization of the besiegers 
enforced. 

On the 25th Childs received a summons to sur- 
render, with the assurance that he would be treated 
in a manner worthy of his valor and military rank. 
This was declined. After despatching his answer, 
the colonel rode to the different posts of his garrison, 
announcing the demand, together with the reply. 
This was received by the soldiers in a manner which 
convinced him of their determination to endure 
every hardship and danger rather than disgrace 
themselves by yielding to the Mexican forces. 



SIEGE OF PUEBLA. 439 

After receiving this answer from the American 
commander, Santa Anna opened his batteries upon 
San Jose, which now became the principal point of 
attack. Its garrison consisted of Ford's cavalry, 
Miller's artillery, four companies of volunteers, and 
a hospital, with its guard, under Captain Rowe. The 
whole was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Blaclv. 
"The duty required of this command," says Colonel 
Childs, " in consequence of the various points to be 
defended, demanded an untiring effort on the part 
of every officer and soldier. A shower of bullets 
was constantly poured from the streets, the bal- 
conies, the house-tops and churches, upon their 
devoted heads. Never did troops endure more 
fatigue, by watching night after night, nor exhibit 
more patience, spirit, and gallantry. Not a post of 
danger could present itself but the gallant fellows 
were ready to fill it. Not a sentinel could "be shot 
but another was anxious and ready to take his place. 
Officers and soldiers vied with each other to be 
honored martyrs in their country's cause. This is 
the general chai'acter of the troops I had the honor 
to command ;^ and I was confident the crown of 
victory would perch upon their standard when the 
last great effort should .be made." 

In order as far as possible to secure San Jose 
from the enemy's shot, Childs threw up a traverse on 
the plaza, and withdrew a twelve-pounder from 
Loreto to answer the besieging batteries. On the 
evening of the 30th a new battery of Santa Anna 
ceased, and on the following morning was with- 
drawn, together with about 3000 of tlie supporting 
force. The object of this movement was to meet 



SIEGE OF PUEBLA. 441 

some reinforcements daily expected at Pinal. Taking 
advantage of it, Colonel Cliilds determined on a 
sortie against certain barricades and buildings 
whose fire had become very annoying. 

The sortie was made on the 2d of October, by 
two parties commanded by Captain Vim. F. Small, 
of the 1st Pennsylvania volunteers, and Lieutenant 
Morgan, of the 14th regiment. The captain, after 
passing through the walls of an entire square, with 
50 men, gained a position opposite the barricade, 
from which he drove the enemy with great loss, and 
burned one hundred and fifty cotton-bales, of which 
the work was composed. Seventeen Mexicans were 
killed upon the spot. Lieutenant Laidley, of the 
ordnance corps, was then sent to blow up a promi- 
nent building, which he successfully accomjDlished. 
The Avhole party were then withdrawn. In this 
affair they had behaved with great gallantry, and 
for twenty-four hours were unceasing in their labors 
to accomplish their object. Their loss was but a few 
wounded. 

At the same time Lieutenants Morgan and Merry- 
field, with detachments from the marines and Rifles, 
attempted to gain possession of some buildings from 
which the depot was receiving a heavy fire. The 
latter officer succeeded in entering ; but Lieutenant 
Morgan was not so fortunate. After several despe- 
rate efforts to force a passage through the strong 
detachment opposed to him, he was directed by 
Colonel Childs to fall back. These gallant feats 
were a severe check upon the enemy and produced 
a sensible dimunition of their fire. Other minor 
acts of bravery were performed by officers and men 



442 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



at San Jose, while from Guadalupe one or two suc- 
cessful sorties were made upon the enemy while 
engaged in their daily attacks upon San Jose. 

Immediately after this disaster Santa Anna left 
the besieging forces and hurried to oppose the march 
of General Lane from Vera Cruz. The bombard- 
ment and cannonade continued, however, with 
diminished energy, until October 12, when General 
Lane arrived with reinforcements for the wearied 
garrison. 




BATTLE OF IIUAMANTLA. 



443 




MAJOR ITURBIDE. 



BATTLES OF HUAMANTLA AND ATLIXCO. 

Rumors of the enemy's designs upon Puebla, and 
of large parties infesting the road leading to that 
city, reached Vera Cruz in the latter part of Septem- 
ber. In consequence of the information, General 
Lane left the latter place with a considerable force 
and marched for the interior. He was not long 
without sight of an enemy. At the hacienda of 
Santa Anna, near the San Juan Kiver, he came up 



444 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

with a party of guerillas. Captain Lewis's com- 
pany of mounted volunteers was sent in pursuit, and 
a portion, under Lieutenant Lilly, succeeded in over- 
taking them. A short skirmish ensued, in which 
the lieutenant behaved with great bravery and 
finally drove the Mexicans from their position. 
After this slight interruption the whole command 
proceeded until it reached the Paso de Ovejas, where 
the rear-guard was fired upon by a small guerilla 
force, and Lieutenant Cline, an efficient young 
officer, killed. 

This march was unusually fatiguing to the troops, 
on account of the heat of the weather and nature 
of the road. Occasionally but a part of the gene- 
ral's force could move forward, and frequently the 
artillery was greatly delayed amid ravines, passes, 
and other natural obstructions. Meanwhile rumors 
continued to multiply concerning a large Mexican 
force concentrating between Perote and Puebla. On 
arriving at the former place General Lane received 
confirmation of these reports, with the additional 
information that they numbered 4000 men, with six 
pieces of artillery, and were commanded by Santa 
Anna in person. At the hacienda of San Antonio 
Tamaris he learned from his spies that the enemy 
were then at Huamantla, a city but a few miles oft". 
He promptly determined to march there, and, if 
possible, give their army battle. 

In order to execute this as speedily as possible, 
the general left his train packed at Tamaris's, under 
charge of Colonel Brough's regiment of Ohio volun- 
teers. Captain Simmon's battalion, and a battery 
under Lieutenant Pratt. With the remainder of the 



BATTLE OF HUAMANTLA. 445 

command, consisting of Colonel Wynkoop's battalion, 
Colonel Gorman's regiment of Indiana volunteers, 
Captain Heintzelman's battalion of six companies, 
Major Lally's mounted men, under Captain Walker, 
and five pieces of artillery, under Captain Taylor. 
After moving forward as rapidly as tlie nature of 
the ground admitted, the column came in sight of 
the city at one o'clock of October 9. The troops 
being halted, the advance-guard of horsemen, under 
Captain Walker, was ordered to move forward to the 
entrance of the city, but not to enter, if the enemy 
were in force, until the arrival of the infantry. 
When within about three miles. Walker observed 
parties of horsemen riding over the fields towards 
the city, and, lest he might be anticipated, his men 
were put to a gallop. His progress was anxiously 
watched by General Lane, until, owing to a hedge 
of thick maguey-bushes on each side of the road, his 
movements were concealed from view. In a few 
minutes firing was heard from the city. About the 
same time a body of 2000 lancers were seen hurry- 
ing over the neighboring hills, and General Lane 
ordered Colonel Gorman to advance with his regi- 
ment and enter Huamantla from the west "while 
Colonel Wynkoop moved towards the east. 

Captain Walker, on arriving at the entrance of 
the city, had discovered about 500 of the enemy 
drawn up in the plaza. He immediately ordered a 
charge. Dashing among the Mexicans, his handful 
of men engaged hand to hand with three times their 
number, and, after a close and bloody conflict, drove 
them away and captured three guns. A vigorous 
pursuit commenced, in which many feats of daring 



446 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

were performed, among which was the capture of 
Colonel La Vega and Major Iturbide by Lieutenant 
Anderson, of the Georgia volunteers. The former 
was a brother of General La Vega, and the latter a 
son of the unfortunate Emperor of Mexico. Anderson 
narrowly escaped with his life. A Mexican lieutenant 
was also taken. 

After pursuing the enemy some distance. Walker's 
men imprudently dispersed and returned to the 
square in small parties. This was in consequence 
of a belief that the enemy's entire force had been 
routed. Suddenly a company of lancers charged 
upon the plaza and succeeded in separating the 
Americans into bodies. A desperate fight took place, 
in which the Mexicans behaved with unwonted 
courage ; but, by skilful manoeuvring. Walker suc- 
ceeded in uniting his forces, and entered the con- 
vent-yard, where the command was dismounted. 
Here another action took place,, in which the lancers 
were assisted by both artillery and infantry. Here, 
while directing the movements of his little band, 
Captain Walker fell mortally wounded, and soon 
afterwards expired. The enemy were driven back. 

Meanwhile the main column of the American 
forces arrived at the city and oj)ened their fire upon 
masses of the enemy. Gorman, with the left wing 
of his regiment, proceeded towards the upper part 
of the town, where the enemy still were, and suc- 
ceeded in dispersing them. At the same time 
Colonel Wynkoop's command had assumed position ; 
but before they could open their batteries the 
Mexicans had fled. 

In this hard-fought action the loss of the Ame- 



BATTLE OF ATLIXCO. 



447 



ricans was 13 killed and 11 wounded. They suc- 
ceeded in capturing one six-pounder brass gun, a 
mountain-howitzer, numerous wagons, and a large 
quantity of ammunition. The Mexicans lost, in 
killed and wounded, 150. 




C A P T A I X W A L K £ R. 



After this battle General Lane marched to the 
relief of Colonel Childs. He remained at Puebla 
with his whole force until the evening of the 18th 
of October, when information was received that the 
Mexican general Rea was at Atlixco, thirty miles 



448 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

distant, in considerable force. Lane immediately 
ordered his troops to be ready for marching on the 
following morning at eleven o'clock. At that time 
he left Puebla with nearly the same force that had 
entered it, and, after a forced march of five hours' 
duration, came in sight of the enemy's advance- 
guard, near Santa Isabella. Here a halt was made 
until the cavalry could come up from their examina- 
tion of a neighboring hacienda. Meanwhile small 
parties of the enemy came to the foot of the hill 
and opened a straggling fire, which did no execution. 
On the arrival of the cavalry, Lane put his whole 
force in motion ; but, as signs of confusion appeared 
among the Mexicans, he hurried on the cavalry to 
charge the enemy and keep them engaged until the 
infantry could come up. As the Americans ap- 
proached the Mexicans retired, until, tit a small 
hill, about a mile and a half from their first position, 
they halted and fought severely. The action was 
continued until, by a forced march, the American 
infantry arrived, when they again fled, pursued by 
the cavalry. Another running fight of about four 
miles took place, during which many of the fugitives 
were cut down. When within less than two miles 
of Atlixco, the enemy's main body was observed 
posted on a side-hill behind rows of chapparal 
hedges. Without stopping to ascertain their num- 
bers, the cavalry dashed among them, dealing death 
on all sides, and forcing them within the thickest 
part of their shelter. Then, dismounting, the as- 
sailants entered the chapparal, hand to hand with 
their foe. Here the struggle was long and terrible, 
scores of the enemy falling beneath the heavy blows 



BATTLE OF ATLIXCO. 449 

of tlieir opponents. This continued until the arrival 
of the infantry, who for the last six miles had been 
straining themselves to the utmost to join the 
cavalry, notwithstanding the previous fatiguing 
march of sixteen miles. The road being intersected 
by numerous gullies prevented the artillery from 
advancing faster than at a walk; and so worn out 
were the cavalry, both through exertion and the 
heat of the weather, that they could pursue the 
enemy no farther. The column continued, however, 
to press forward towards the town ; but night had 
already set in when it reached a hill overlooking it. 
But the moon shone with a splendor which afforded 
a fine view of all the surrounding country, and 
enabled the American general to continue his opera- 
tions with perfect certainty. 

As the Americans approached, several shots were 
fired upon them ; and, deeming it imprudent to risk 
a street fight in an unknown town at night. General 
Lane ordered the artillery to be posted on a hill 
overlooking the town, and to open upon it. This 
was speedily put in execution, so that in a very 
short time the terrified inhabitants beheld flaming 
balls and shells hurled into their town with a pre- 
cision and effect to which their own system of war- 
fiire afforded no parallel. Every gun was served 
with the utmost rapidity ; and, amid the stillness of 
a Mexican night-scene, the discharges of artillery 
pealed for miles around, while at intervals tlie 
crashing of walls and roofs afforded a strange and 
distressing contrast. This bombardment continued 
for nearly an hour with great effect ; the gunners 

29 



450 



BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 



being enabled by the moonlight to direct their shot 
to the most populous parts of the town. 

The firing from the town had now ceased; and, 
wishing to obtain, if possible, its surrender. Lane 
ordered Major Lally and Colonel Brough to advance 
cautiously with their commands into the town. On 
their entering, the general was met by the ayunta- 
mienio, or city council, who desired that their town 
might be spared. Quiet was accordingly restored, 
and on the following morning Lane disposed of such 
ammunition as could be found, and then commenced 
his return to Puebla. 



OCCUPATION OF CALIFORNIA. 



451 




COLONEL FREMONT. 



OCCUPATION OF CALIFORNIA AND NEW 

MEXICO. 

In May, 1846, President Polk was authorized by 

Congress to accept the services of 50,000 volunteers, 

to continue the war which had commenced on the 



452 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

Rio Grande. Of this number ten companies com- 
posed a force destined to act against Santa Fe. They 
were formed of five companies United States dra- 
goons, two of foot, two light artillery, and one 
volunteer horse. This army was placed under the 
direction of Colonel Stephen W. Kearney, who, in a 
confidential letter from Secretary Marcy, dated June 
3, 1846, received in substance the following instruc- 
tions : — To organize for the expedition an additional 
force of 1000 men, in order to proceed from Santa 
Fe against Upper California ; to establish a govern- 
ment there after taking possession; to receive as 
volunteers a number of Mormon and other emigrants, 
recently settled in the province ; to co-operate with 
the naval force in the Pacific; to open trade with 
the Indians ; and to respect the rights of the Cali- 
fornians. The letter concludes as follows : — " I am 
directed by the President to say that the rank of 
brevet brigadier-general will be conferred on you as 
soon as you commence your movement towards Cali- 
fornia, and sent round to you by sea, or over the 
country, or to the care of the commandant of our 
squadron in the Pacific. In that way cannon, arms, 
ammunition, and supplies for the land-forces, will be 
sent you." 

The depot of Kearney's force was Fort Leaven- 
worth. On the 27th of June his advance commenced 
its march; and by the 1st of August more than 
1600 men were concentrated at Bent's Fort, having 
marched a distance of five hundred and sixty-four 
miles. The march was resumed on the 3d, and, after 
a toilsome journey over frightful prairies, they 



OCCUPATION OF CALIFORNIA. ■ 453 

arrived, August 12, at the mountains near the Rio 
Grande. 

Signs of hostility now began to appear; and 
messages arrived from General Armigo. Governor 
of Santa Fe, requesting Kearney to advance no 
fiirtlier, or at least to consent to negotiations for 
peace. The tone of these was dignified but earnest. 
The American commander replied that he came to 
take possession ; that the peaceable inhabitants 
should be well treated, but that the vengeance of 
both army and government would be poured upon 
all others. On the march the colonel received a 
despatch from Government constituting him briga- 
dier-general. 

On the 18th of August General Kearney took 
possession of Santa Fe in the name of the United 
States. The oath of allegiance was administered 
to the alcalde and inhabitants, and a military terri- 
torial government established. No opposition was 
experienced, Governor Armigo and his army having 
fled at the approach of the Americans. General 
Kearney was proclaimed governor, erected a fort, 
(called Fort Marcy,) and published a proclamation 
to the inhabitants. 

After seeing every thing in a state of tranquillity, 
General Kearney commenced his march, September 
25, for the distant region of California. 

Before the general had accomplished this arduous 
undertaking. Colonel Doniphan, with his citizen 
volunteers, commenced one of equal magnitude, and 
pregnant with events of paramount importance. 
When Kearney left Santa Fe he ordered the colonel 
to proceed as soon as practicable into Chihuahua 



454 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

and report to General Wool, who, with the centre 
division, had been intrusted with the conquering of 
that province. 

On the 17th of December, Doniphan, with 924 
men, began his expedition. On the 24th they 
reached the Jornada Lake, into which runs the 
Brazito River, more than twenty miles from the 
Paso del Norte of the eastern mountain-range. 
Here they were informed that the Mexicans, to the 
number of 1000, were collected at the Pass, ready 
for an attack. The Americans numbered about 
600, the remainder being sick. On the afternoon 
of the following day (Christmas) the enemy were 
seen approaching, and, when within eight hundred 
yards, extended themselves so as to cover the Ame- 
rican flank. An officer approached, carrying a black 
flag, and, after proclaiming no quarters, rejoined his 
column, which immediately charged at a rapid gallop. 
The conflict was but short, — the Mexicans being de- 
feated with the loss of 30 killed, and driven into 
the mountains. Eight were captured, six of whom 
subsequently died ; and their single piece of cannon 
was also taken. The Americans had seven wounded. 
On the 27th Doniphan entered the town of El Paso 
without resistance, where he was reinforced by Major 
Clark's artillery. 

On the 8 th of February, 1847, the whole com- 
mand (924 men) left the Paso del Norte and 
marched for Chihuahua. On the 28th was fought 
the great battle of Sacramento. This action, with 
the position itself, is thus described by Colonel 
Doniphan : — 

" The Pass of the Sacramento is formed by a 



BATTLE OF SACRAMENTO. 455 



point of the mountains on our right (their left) ex- 
tending into the valley or plain, so as to narrow the 
valley to about one and a half miles. On our left 
was a deep, dry, sandy channel of a creek, and 
between these points the plain rises to sixty feet 
abruptly. This rise is in the form of a crescent, the 
convex part being to the north of our forces. On 
the right from the point of mountains, a narrow 
part of the plain extends north one and a half miles 
farther than on the left. The main road passes 
down the centre of the valley and across the crescent 
near the left or dry branch. The Sacramento rises 
in the mountains on the right, and the road falls on 
to it about one mile below the battle-field or mtrench- 
ment of the enemy. We ascertained that the enemy 
had one battery of four guns, two nine and two six- 
pounders, on the point of the mountain (their left) 
at a good elevation to sweep the plain, and at a 
point where the mountain extended farthest into 
the plain. On our left (their right) they had another 
battery on an elevation commanding the road, and 
three intrenchments of two six-pounders; and on the 
brow of the crescent, near the centre, another of two 
six and two four and six culverins, or rampart- 
pieces, mounted on carriages ; and on the crest of the 
hill, or ascent between the batteries, and the right 
and left, they had twenty-seven redoubts dug and 
thrown up, extending at short intervals across the 
whole ground. In these their infantry were placed 
and were entirely protected. Their cavalry was 
drawn up in front of the redoubts, four deep, and m 
rear of the redoubts two deep, so as to mask them 
as far as practicable. 



456 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

"We now commenced the action by a brisk fire 
from our battery, and the enemy unmasked and 
commenced also. Our fire proved eiFective at this 
distance, killing 15 men, wounding and disabling 
one of the enemy's guns. We had two men slightly 
wounded, and several horses and mules killed. The 
enemy then slowly retreated behind their works in 
some confusion, and we resumed our march in our 
former order, still diverging more to the right to 
avoid their battery on our left, and their strongest 
redoubts, which were on the left near where the road 
passes. . . . The howitzers charged at speed, and 
were gallantly sustained by Captain Reid ; but, by 
some misunderstanding, my order was not given to 
the other two companies, Parsons's and Hudson's. 
Captain Hudson, anticipating my order, charged in 
time to give ample support to the howitzers. Cap- 
tain Parsons at the same moment came to me and 
asked permission for his company to charge the 
redoubts immediately to the left of Captain Wright- 
man, which he did very gallantly. 

" The remainder of the two battalions of the first 
regiment were dismounted during the cavalry charge, 
and, following rapidly on foot, and Major Clark ad- 
vancing as rapidly as practicable with the remainder 
of the battery, we charged their redoubts from right 
to left, with a brisk and deadly fire of riflemen, while 
Major Clark opened a rapid and well-directed fire 
on a column of cavalry attempting to jjass to our 
left so as to attack the wagons and our rear. The 
fire was so well directed as to force them to fall back, 
and our riflemen, with their cavalry and howitzers, 
cleared it after an obstinate resistance. Our forces 



BATTLE OF SACRAMENTO. 457 

advanced to the very brink of their redoubts, and 
attacked them with their sabres. When the redoubts 
were cleared and the batteries in the centre and our 
left were silenced, the main battery on our right still 
continued to pour in a constant and heavy fire, as it 
had done during the heat of the engagement ; but, 
as the whole fate of the battle depended upon carry- 
ing the redoubts and centre battery, this one on the 
right remained unattacked, and the enemy had rallied 
there 500 strong. 

" Major Clark was directed to commence a heavy 
fire upon it, while Lieutenant-Colonels Mitchell and 
Jackson, commanding the first battalion, were ordered 
to remount and charge the battery on the left, while 
Major Gilpin was directed to pass the second bnt- 
talion on foot up the rough ascent of the mountain 
on the opposite side. The fire of our battery was 
so effective as to completely silence theirs, and the 
rapid advance of our column put them to flight over 
the mountains in great confusion, 

"Thus ended the battle of Sacramento. The 
force of the enemy was 1200 cavalry from Durango 
and Chihuahua, 300 artillerists, and 1420 rancheros, 
badly armed with lassoes, lances, and machetes or 
corn-knives, ten pieces of artillery, — two nine, two 
eight, four six, and two four-pounders, — and six 
culverins or rampart-pieces. . . . Our force was 924 
effective men ; at least one hundred of whom were 
engaged in holding horses and driving teams. The 
loss of the enemy was his entire artillery, ten wagons, 
masses of beans and pinola, and other Mexican pro- 
visions, about 300 killed, about the same number 
wounded, many of whom have since died, and 40 



458 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

prisoners. The field was literally covered with the 
dead and wounded, from our artillery and the un- 
erring fire of our riflemen. Night put a stop to the 
carnage, the battle having commenced about three 
o'clock. Our loss was 1 killed, 1 mortally wounded, 
and 7 so wounded as to recover without any loss of 
limbs." 

On the 1st of March Colonel Doniphan took pos- 
session of Chihuahua, where he remained three 
weeks. At the end of this time, having received 
orders from General Wool, he marched, April 25, 
for Saltillo. On the road. Captain Reid defeated 
about 50 Indians near El Paso, May 13, capturing 
one thousand horses. On the 22d of May the com- 
mand reached Wool's encampment, and, on the 27th, 
that of General Taylor. 

As the term of service of these gallant men had 
expired, they now commenced their return. Early 
in June they marched through Matamoras, and, on 
the 16 th, arrived at New Orleans. Their reception 
was most enthusiastic, and they set out for their 
homes laden with the honors and congratulations of 
a benefited republic. 

In the mean time important events had been taking 
place in California, Before the war began, in 1846, 
the territory of Upper California formed the north- 
western portion of the Republic of Mexico. The 
chief portion of its inhabitants were Indians, on 
account of whose hostility the interior of the country 
was little known. The settlements of the descendants 
of the Spaniards and Mexicans were situated on 
the coast of the Pacific, or near it. These small 
towns had grown up around the missions established 



OCCUPATION OF CALIFORNIA. 459 

at different places by the Jesuits at an early period. 
Portions of the country situated in the valley of 
San Jose and in the vicinity of Los Angeles were 
very fertile. But the greater part of the territory 
was thought to be only fit for grazing purposes, and 
consequently the population increased very slowly. 
Intelligence of the commencement of the war upon 
the Rio Grande having reached the Pacific Ocean 
on the 2d of July, Commodore Sloat, commander of 
the squadron on that station, arrived at Monterey, 
and, on the 7th, the American flag was hoisted over 
that town amid the cheers of the Americans and a 
salute from the ships in the harbor. Commodore 
Sloat then issued a proclamation to the people of 
California. On the 8th the American flag was 
hoisted at San Francisco, by Montgomery, com- 
mander of the sloop-of-war Portsmouth. 

Captain Fremont, who had arrived in California 
by an overland journey, with a party of about 170 
men. took possession of Sonoma, one of the most 
northern posts in the territory, and, leaving a small 
garrison at that place, marched for the mission of 
San Juan, about thirty miles east of Monterey. He 
arrived there and took possession of the mission 
without opposition. A considerable quantity of 
stores was found there. 

The fortification of Monterey was commenced im- 
mediately after raising the United States flag. On 
the 23d, Commodore Sloat sailed in the Levant for 
the United States, leaving Commodore Stockton in 
command of the Pacific squadron. Immediately 
after, the Cyane, Commandant Dupont, with Captain 
Fremont and volunteers on board, sailed for San 



460 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

Diego, and Ihe frigate Congress, Commodore Stock- 
ton, sailed for San Pedro, the port of Los Angeles, 
the capital of California. The frigate Savannah 
remained at Monterey, and the sloop-of-war Ports- 
mouth at San Francisco. Thus all the ports of the 
territory were secured. 

On the 17th of August Commodore Stockton 
issued a proclamation, declaring California in the 
full and peaceable possession of the United States, 
and authorizing the election of civil officers through- 
out the country. Colonel Fremont soon afterwards 
went north with only 40 men, intending to recruit 
and return immediately. Early in September Com- 
modore Stockton withdrew all his forces and pro- 
ceeded with the squadron to San Francisco. Captain 
Gillespie was left in command of Pueblo de los 
Angeles, with about 30 riflemen ; and Lieutenant 
Talbot in command at Santa Barbara, with only 9 
men. Scarcely had Commodore Stockton arrived at 
San Francisco, when he received information that 
all the country below Monterey was in arms and 
the Mexican flag again hoisted. He immediately 
returned, took command of the sailors, and, dragging 
by hand six of the ship's guns, marched towards Los 
Angeles. At the ranche Sepulinda the Californians 
were prepared to meet him ; but in the battle which 
ensued they were routed with great loss. By this 
victory Commodore Stockton acquired a sufficient 
number of horses, mounted his men, and organized 
his force for land-operations. 

On the 23d of September the City of the Angels 
was invested by an army of Californian.s, whose over- 
whelming numbers caused Captain Gillespie to sur- 



OCCUPATION OF CALIFORNIA. 461 

render that place. He returned with his 30 riflemen 
to San Pedro, and there embarked for Montere3^ 
The Californian chief, Manuel Gaspar, then led 200 
of his men against Santa Barbara, where they were 
braved by Lieutenant Talbot and his insignificant 
force for ten days. This youthful commander, who 
had won the esteem of Colonel Fremont in his 
former expeditions, now proved himself worthy of 
holding the post of danger. He held the town until 
he was completely besieged, and then, refusing to 
surrender, forced his way through the enemy to the 
mountains in the vicinity, where he remained eight 
days, suffering from cold and hunger. The enemy 
made several attempts to induce him to surrender, 
which he rejected. One detachment of 40 men ad- 
vanced to take him, but was driven back. They 
then offered to permit him to retire if he would pro- 
mise neutrality during the war ; but he told them 
that he preferred to fight. At length, finding that 
neither force nor persuasion would cause him to 
leave his position, they set fire to the grass and 
brush around him and burned him out. He then 
retreated with his 9 men to Monterey, five hundred 
miles, mostly on foot. The brave fellows were wel- 
comed as from the grave, the fears of their com- 
panions that they were slain having been confirmed 
by a report of the Californians to that effect. Colonel 
Fremont had made an attempt to go from San Fran- 
cisco to the relief of Captain Gillespie ; but, after 
being at sea twenty-nine days, he was compelled to 
put back to Monterey by bad weather. A day or 
two after the arrival of Lieutenant Talbot, a party 
of 27 Americans, under Captains Burrows and 



462 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

Thompson, were attacked by the Californians, 80 in 
number. Captain Burrows and three Americans 
were slain. Three of the enemy also fell, but they 
kept the Americans shut up at the mission of St. 
Johns until Major Fremont marched to their assist- 
ance. The whole party left St. Johns on the 26th 
of November, and arrived at San Fernando on the 
11th of January. 

During the progress of these events in California., 
General Kearney was on his march thither from 
Santa Fe. On the 6th of October he met Carson 
with 15 men coming as an express from the City of 
the Angels, with an account of the conquest of that 
country by Fremont and Stockton. With the devo- 
tion to the public service for which he has always 
been characterized, he complied with the request of 
General Kearney to allow some one else to take his 
despatches to Washington, and, giving up his hopes 
of seeing his family, he turned his face again towards 
the Pacific as a guide. General Kearney then sent 
back a part of his forces and continued his march 
with 100 men, well equipped. On the 15th of Octo- 
ber they left the Rio Grande and commenced the 
march across the mountains. 

On the 5th of December they were met by a small 
body of volunteers, under Captain Gillespie, who 
had come from San Diego for the purpose of giving 
them information concerning the state of the country. 
Captain Gillespie informed them that there was an 
armed party of Californians, with a number of extra 
horses, encamped at San Pasqual, three leagues dis- 
tant. General Kearney determined to march upon 
them, in the double hope of gaining a victory and a 



OCCUPATION OF CALIFORNIA. 463 

remount for his poor soldiers, who had completely 
worn out their animals in the march from Santa Fe, 
ten hundred and fifty miles. Captain Johnston led 
the advanced guard of 12 dragoons, mounted on the 
best horses in the company; then came 20 volunteers 
under Captains Gibson and Gillespie, and in the 
rear two mountain-howitzers, with dragoons to 
manage them, mounted on sorry mules. The rest 
of the army were ordered to follow on the trail of 
this detachment with the baggage. At daybreak on 
the 6th of December they encountered the enemy, 
who was already in the saddle. Captain Johnston 
made a furious charge upon them with the advance- 
guard, and was well supported by the dragoons. He 
fell almost in the very beginning of the fight; but 
the action did not flag, and the enemy were forced 
to retreat. Captain Moore led off rapidly in pur- 
suit, but the mules of the dragoons could not keep 
up with his horses, and the enemy, seeing the break 
in the line, renewed the fight and charged with the 
lance. They fought well, and their superiority of 
numbers had wellnigh proved fatal to the little 
band ; but the dragoons came up, and they finally 
fled from the field, carrying off most of their dead 
with them. They had kept up a constant fire in 
,the first part of the fight, and used their lances with 
great dexterity at its close, and the American loss 
was heavy. Captain Johnston, Captain Moore, 
Lieutenant Hammond, two Serjeants, two corporals, 
eleven privates, and a man attached to the topo- 
graphical department, were slain. General Kearney 
was wounded in two places. Captain Gillespie had 
three wounds, Lieutenant Warner, of the topogra- 



464 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 

phical engineers, three, and Caj^tain Gibson and 
eleven others were also wounded, most of them 
having from two to ten wounds from lances. The 
howitzers were not brought into action until near 
its close, when the mules attached to one of them 
got alarmed, broke from their drivers, and ran away 
with it directly into the enemy's lines. The severe 
wounds of the soldiers caused a halt in the march 
until the 10th of December, when the march was 
resumed, and on the 12 th the army reached San 
Diego. 

The arrival of General Kearney at San Diego was 
opportune; and Commodore Stockton and he now 
laid a plan for putting an end to the war. 

In the battle of San Gabriel, (Jan. 3, 1847,) and 
on the plains of the Mesa, they defeated the enemy 
and entered Los Angeles, (Jan. 10,) and signed a 
capitulation (Jan. 13) by which the country passed 
tranquilly under the government of the United 
States. The other incidents which transpired in 
this quarter were unimportant. The treaty of 
Guadalupe Hidalgo, which terminated the war, gave 
Upper California to the United States on the pay- 
ment of fifteen millions of dollars to Mexico. 



THE END. 



STtUEOTYPtD UV L. JOHNSON i CO. 
PUILADELPUU. 



